The Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, welcomed today in a meeting at the MEFA the German Minister of State for Europe at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Michael Roth, who is paying a two-day visit to Albania.

Minister Xhaçka emphasized that Minister Roth’s visit is another clear signal of Germany’s commitment to strongly supporting the integration processes in the Western Balkans.

She praised the clear official position and commitment of Berlin, not only during its EU Presidency but also afterwards, for reaching a consensus within the EU on the rapid adoption of the negotiation framework and holding the First Intergovernmental Conference.

“We have done our homework. Things are moving in the right direction also in the fight against corruption and organized crime. If you look at how much work has been done since the Council decision of March 2020, despite the fact that the last 15 months have been among the most difficult in our history, you can realistically appreciate our deeply responsible and sinerely committed approach to the integration process”, said Minister Xhaçka during the bilateral meeting.

Minister Roth reiterated Germany’s position in support of holding the First Intergovernmental Conferences with Albania and North Macedonia within the Portuguese EU Presidency.

He confirmed that Germany, along with other EU partner countries, is strongly committed to resolving as soon as possible all existing disputes between North Macedonia and Bulgaria to achieve the set objective.