Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reaffirmed Albania’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European integration, urging Southeast European leaders to transition from political solidarity to concrete, practical cooperation.
Speaking at the fifth Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv—held on July 15, 2026, which coincided with Ukrainian Statehood Day—the Albanian head of state joined regional leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to outline a more robust, active support model for the war-torn country.
Begaj’s Core Message: Turning Pledges Into Action
While addressing the regional assembly, President Begaj emphasized that verbal declarations of support have reached their limit and must now be followed by tangible, coordinated measures.
“Our support must go beyond declarations. It must translate into practical cooperation. This is why today’s summit is crucial—it allows us to strengthen political coordination, deepen regional solidarity, and identify concrete areas for joint action.”
— Bajram Begaj, President of Albania
[ Albania's Three-Pronged Strategy ]
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[ Joint Actions ] [ Rebuilding Support ] [ Strategic EU Expansion ]
• Practical coordination • Transparent, sustainable • Viewing EU enlargement as
on defense, security, humanitarian and economic a strategic investment in
and energy resilience. recovery efforts. shared continental peace.
Reaffirming Sovereignty and Honoring Ukrainian Courage
The summit concluded with the signing of the Kyiv Declaration, an expansive regional agreement supporting Ukraine’s peace plan and condemning Russia’s campaign of aggression. Albania, alongside nine other Southeast European partners, signed the joint document to reaffirm the universal principles of the UN Charter and international law.
During the ceremonies marking the Day of Ukrainian Statehood on Mykhailivska Square, Begaj paid tribute to the ordinary citizens keeping the country running under fire:
- Honoring the Resilient: Begaj commended the “extraordinary strength” of Ukrainian soldiers, medics, teachers, rescue teams, and volunteers, describing their struggle as a primary inspiration for the free world.
- Bilateral Dialogue with Zelenskyy: On the sidelines of the summit, President Begaj held a private, face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders discussed bilateral security pacts, economic development, and economic agreements aimed at driving the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
