Hasani: Tirana intends to open in 2025 all group-chapters of negotiations with the EU

2024-12-27 19:01:41, Politikë CNA

Hasani: Tirana intends to open in 2025 all group-chapters of negotiations with

In Tirana, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, said that this year Albania has made important steps towards European integration, and intends to open next year all group-chapters in membership negotiations. Albania aims to close all negotiations by 2027 and be ready for EU membership by 2030. The head of Albanian diplomacy stated that during this year, Albania's engagements in international organizations and regional initiatives increased, as well as being protected more the interests of Albanians everywhere in the world.

For Albania's diplomacy and public administration, the next year is expected to be a busy period of work as it pertains to the European Union integration process.

Within the last two months in October and December, Albania and the EU held the second and third intergovernmental conferences, where the first group-chapter of negotiations, known as "Basics", and the sixth group-chapter on " Foreign relations".

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, said today that these steps marked a new impulse, a new and important phase in the membership process.

"Our objective is clear: in 2025 we aim to open all group-chapters and close the sixth group-chapter, while by the end of 2027, we plan to close all negotiations and be ready for membership in the European Union until 2030. This is an ambitious goal, and diplomacy will play a key role in its realization, with close communication and cooperation with EU member states." Mr. Hasani said.

In order to achieve this objective of integration, Albania is working both technically and politically to meet the criteria one by one and to avoid obstacles in the process.

Asked about the influence that President-elect Donald Trump can bring to American policies on the Balkans, Minister Hasani said that Albania's relations with the USA are very important.

"For us, relations with the United States are also very important. We continue and will continue to have the commitment we have had, the exchange of ideas and opinions with colleagues in Washington without differences in terms of their internal political commitment", said Mr. Hasani.

On the other hand, the foreign minister said that in the meantime, Albania has strengthened its position as a stability factor in the region, has strengthened relations with its neighbors also in terms of infrastructure, security and human rights, while Kosovo remains a national priority.

He emphasized that Albania is committed to supporting international peace and security, strongly supporting Ukraine and its sovereignty, condemning Russian aggression, while on the other hand it has taken a clear stance in favor of Israel, has condemned the terrorist attacks of Hamas, emphasized the need for a peaceful and humanitarian solution for Gaza, as well as remaining engaged within NATO, as a member of this alliance.

"This year marked the 15th anniversary of Albania's membership in NATO, an important step for strengthening security and stability in the region. Albania remains engaged in the North Atlantic Alliance and has welcomed NATO's engagement in the Western Balkans. The opening of NATO's tactical air base in Kuçovo is an example of the Alliance's investments in Albania, ensuring stability for the region," said Minister Hasani.

Albania is paying more attention now to the support of the diaspora, rights and services for it, with the belief that it is taking an increasingly important role in the economic development of the country, alongside economic diplomacy, which is developed by its own diplomatic corps. .

Well-known figures from the diaspora are expected to, after some changes in the law on diplomatic service, be included to provide direct assistance in Albanian diplomacy, especially those who have worked and have experience working in international organizations./ VOA