The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, thanked the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, after he told him that he is a friend of the Western Balkans.
Cameron, who is staying in Tirana on an official visit, said after the meeting with Rama that it is in the common interest that they help in the process of reconciliation in the region.
“Thank you for what you said that I am a friend of the Western Balkans and the region. In fact, for me this is a really big compliment. In fact, I have a very fair and simple point of view, that when the Western Balkans succeeds, then Europe succeeds. If there are problems in the Western Balkans, then there are problems in Europe as well, because it is actually in our common interest to help with the process of reconciliation, economic growth and understanding, and for me this is a priority and has been a priority even when I have been prime minister and I will continue with this work”, said Cameron.
The British chief diplomat mentioned the Pristina-Durra railway project, which he said is “very, very important, not only for Albania, but also for Kosovo and for the entire region”.
“What I can say from the British point of view, and I speak here on behalf of our Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is that this has been, is and will be one of the most fruitful and positive partnerships for us. For exports, for example, they have increased by 20%. We have very exciting projects, such as the railway that you explained, from Pristina to Durrës, which will be very, very important, not only for Albania, but also for Kosovo and for the entire region. It is actually a very positive relationship also from the point of view of defense, in the field of defense. Not only the partnership in NATO and the work we are doing to achieve Ukraine’s membership in NATO, but actually the direct support we provide to each other. So, a partnership also regarding the fight against organized crime and serious crime. We are also happy to help modernize your judiciary as you continue your reforms,” said Cameron.
He said that he feels special satisfaction that he visited Albania.
“And one of the reasons why I wanted to come, and I’m sorry it took so long and it’s a short visit, but one of those reasons is to celebrate your successes, because Albania is really a success story, in economic aspect, success in NATO, you have also successfully done the impossible and a great job with a very great leadership in the Security Council and for that I want to thank you, for your leadership. Not only because you have won more elections than I have won and you continue in office, but because you have given such a clear direction as to where you want Albania to reach and where Albania should be in the sphere of NATO and the Union European,” said Cameron.
