Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë

IMG 8684 1

Statements

Statement by the President of the Republic, H. E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, at the Press Conference in Sarajevo

I am pleased and deeply honoured to have the opportunity to visit a friendly country like Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Dear Denis,

Thank you very much for the invitation and the warm welcome!

This is my first official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. From our meeting, I am convinced that our traditionally friendly relations and existing cooperation will develop further in the years ahead.

The long-standing friendly relations between our two countries and, above all, between our citizens remain of great significance to us.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a well-respected and integrated Albanian community consisting of workers, craftsmen, traders, artists, lawyers, doctors, military personnel, engineers, businesspeople, journalists, and pharmacists. This community is organized under the “Albanian Community” association in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Similarly, in Albania, a long-established Bosnian community is recognised as a minority, enjoying linguistic, cultural, and religious rights.

The esteemed writer and cleric Gjergj Fishta received education in late 19th century Bosnia, and the renowned Albanian actress Tinka Kurti was born in Sarajevo. Highlighting these connections emphasizesthe deep bonds this community represents in both countries, promoting friendship and good relations between Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I am pleased that my visit to Sarajevo coincides with the reopening of embassies in our respective capitals.

I am grateful for the simultaneous and coordinated efforts taking place in both countries.

Although delayed, I am confident this step will enhance interaction between our citizens and countries and revive economic cooperation and trade relations.

Our countries share a common regional history and aspire to become part of the European community in the future. Geographically, we belong to Europe, and we share common principles and values.

During my meeting with the Presidents, I once again confirmed Albania’s commitment to intensify ourpolitical and diplomatic cooperation and collaborationon mutual bilateral and regional interests.

Additionally, I reaffirmed Albania’s well-known stance in unconditionally supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, social cohesion, and progress towards the Euro-Atlantic path of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Western Balkans region continues to face significant threats to its security and stability.

Albania has made significant contributions and remains committed to enhancing peace, security, and regional stability. Following this regional policy and in alignment with the foreign policy of the European Union, my country intends to:

• sustain its contribution to the EUFOR/ALTHEA mission;

• remain vocal and oppose any destabilizing efforts and “separatist” rhetoric for Bosnia;

• consistently uphold the Dayton Agreement as a solid foundation for your country’s stability;

• advocate for the role of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The European Council’s decision in March 2024 to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina was good news for you and the region.

Albania expresses its strong support for the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the European Unionintegration, and stands prepared to collaborate in sharing our experience in this regard.

We seek a future where the Western Balkans are fully integrated into the European Union.

This is the only path to ensure security and prosperity of our countries and provide a more promising and prosperous life for our citizens.

A few days ago, Albania opened negotiations on several chapters while following a foreign policy fully aligned with the European Union’s foreign and security policy. Integration into the European Union is strategic and vital for us.

Given the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the influence of third-party actors in our region, there is a pressing need for the advancement of this process at a faster pace.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to an integrated Albanian community that makes contributions to itssociety.

Today, while fulfilling my constitutional duties, I addressed several requests for this community regarding the right to preserve their language, traditions, and national identity. This aligns with the equitable treatment of Bosniaks and Serbs in Albania. Ibelieve it would be beneficial to increase the employment of Albanians within the administration.

During today’s meeting, we also discussed opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation and trade relations in areas of mutual interest.

 I am pleased to observe an increasing number of citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina visiting Albania as tourists to enjoy the Albanian hospitality and the stunning nature, whether the mountains or the coast.

I hope to witness a boost in tourist flows from both sides and an improvement in the connectivity between our two countries. The establishment of an airline or joint economic initiatives would be particularly important. Today, we shared the common concern about advancing road infrastructure projects, including the Blue Corridor and the Adriatic-Ionian gas pipeline.

During today’s meeting, I highlighted that despite differing opinions on Kosovo within some part of the leadership, it is important to recognize Kosovo as an irreversible reality.

Kosovo has demonstrated to be a reliable partner, committed to strengthening good neighbourly relationswhile actively contributing to regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration processes in the Western Balkans.

The recognition of Kosovo will substantially impact peace, security, reconciliation, and regional stability.

Taking this step would demonstrate responsibility and commitment to regional economic integration and integration into the European community.

In the meantime, we would welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina’s engagement in recognizing Kosovo’s documents and removing visas or easing the visa requirements for Kosovo citizens, as some other European Union countries have done, despite not formally recognizing Kosovo.

The Berlin Process, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, remains a unique and important platform forencouraging economic, political, and social cooperation in the Western Balkans.

Strengthening regional integration and accelerating the process of integration into the European Union was the clear message we received from the latest summit in Berlin. Meanwhile, ensuring the full implementation ofthe agreements that have been signed so far within this process remains crucial.

The agreement allowing unrestricted movement in the region with just identity cards is not only beneficial for our citizens but also a real contribution to regional cooperation processes.

Albania is a member of NATO and supports the “Open Door” policy.

The accession of Montenegro and North Macedonia to the Alliance has significantly improved security in the Western Balkans. We believe that an increased NATO presence in the region will ensure increased security and stability while also promoting democratic processes and encouraging good neighbourly relations.

It is in our common interest to encourage all the countries in the region to engage closely with the Alliance and, potentially, in the future, become our allies in NATO.

In conclusion, I would like to highlight that themeeting today has reaffirmed my belief that the friendly relations and collaboration between our two countries will continue to grow, both on a bilateral and regional level.

Our shared historical backgrounds present numerous inspiring instances of how our two countries and the entire Western Balkans region should move forward with courage and determination towards our commonfuture, our future within the European community.