Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, hosted a meeting today with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. In a press conference, Rama stated that the focus of their discussions revolved around Albania’s EU membership process, efforts to conclude negotiations by 2027, regional challenges, and EU cooperation in the field of security.
According to Rama, all countries in the region have a strategic goal of EU membership.
“We have full alignment on all fronts, including Albania’s foreign policy, which is 100% aligned with the EU’s foreign policy. Naturally, we discussed the significant challenge of the EU membership process and the ambitious calendar agreed with the Commission to conclude negotiations by 2027. We also discussed the region and existing issues, at a time when unity and stability across the entire region are essential, with all countries aiming for EU membership. This destination is a crucial reference point to understand the current political situation and the steps we need to take in the future,” said Rama.
Rama also emphasized that they had discussed strategic cooperation in the field of security during their meeting.
“Security is a central theme for the EU,” he added.
Rama stressed that war is no longer just a black-and-white film from the past, but a real threat to Europe.
“As I shared earlier, I want to repeat that in a recent poll conducted in the EU about the popularity of the European Union, it was shown that since 1983, support for the EU from the peoples that make it up is at the highest level ever, which has never happened before. This is because the people of Europe feel that war is no longer a black-and-white film from the past, but a real threat against which Europe must unite and strengthen. Albania is also part of this commitment,” said Rama.
Additionally, Kallas is in Albania to sign a financing agreement for the Durrës-Rrogozhinë railway project, which is part of Corridor VIII. This project is a significant step toward improving infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity.
She was initially welcomed by Albanian President Bajram Begaj and later met with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Kallas is also scheduled to meet with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, and the Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu.
She will also participate in the Albania-EU security policy dialogue forum and the signing ceremony of the agreement with the European Investment Bank. Kallas will conclude her visit to Albania with a lecture at the House of Europe. After this visit, she will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, following her meetings in Montenegro as part of her first Balkan tour.
