Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has raised concerns over alleged attempts by “at least two countries in the region” to destabilise Montenegro as the country moves closer to European Union membership.
The remarks triggered media speculation that Albania could be one of the countries referenced. Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has rejected any such suggestion, stressing that Tirana has no involvement in activities aimed at destabilising its neighbour.
Hoxha said Albania “is neither, nor can it be, part of any destabilising scenario” in Montenegro or elsewhere, describing the country as a neighbour, friend, partner and NATO ally with which Albania shares the same objective of EU membership.
He urged caution over media interpretations of Spajić’s remarks, noting that Montenegro has not officially accused Albania of any wrongdoing.
According to Hoxha, Albania’s approach is the opposite of destabilisation. He said Tirana is focused on strengthening regional cooperation, stability, mutual understanding and European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
He also said Albanian and Montenegrin officials remain in regular contact and that he had discussed the issue with Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj.
Hoxha warned that unverified interpretations and domestic political debates should not be allowed to create unnecessary tensions between neighbouring countries.
“Foreign policy always requires calm, prudence and responsibility,” Hoxha said.
