President Begaj’s Message at the Reception with Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Albania
President of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, hosted a reception this evening for the representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Albania.
In his speech, the President focused on the achievements of the past year, the challenges facing Albania, and those at regional and global levels throughout 2024, while sharing his vision for responsibly addressing these challenges towards long-term and sustainable solutions.
He called for cooperation and dialogue for peace, security, and hope for a better future, deeming diplomacy not an option, but a necessity.
President Begaj confirmed that Albania would continue its foreign and security policy aligned with the European Union and the USA and would engage in strengthening multilateralism and regional cooperation.
The President emphasized the importance of the European Union’s support for the Western Balkans through the creation of mechanisms that enable not only political alignment but also economic progress and facilitation of citizens’ daily lives.
“For Albanians in the region, EU membership is a matter of national interest,” declared President Begaj, adding that the Albanian factor has contributed and will continue to contribute to peace and security in the region.
Regarding Kosova, President Begaj called for international recognition from those states that have not yet undertaken this act and for an end to the status quo to avoid situations like the September 2023 attack in Banjskë that could bring severe consequences for the region and Europe. He welcomed the visa liberalization for Kosova citizens and reiterated his stance on its Euro-Atlantic integration.
“Resolving the Kosova-Serbia disputes is not only a political issue but a matter of security for the region and Europe,” declared President Begaj.
For accelerating Albania’s EU integration process, the President stressed the necessity of deepening reforms and promoting socio-economic development that serves Albanians and opens EU membership chapters and consolidating the trust of allies led by the United States.
President Begaj emphasized the commitment to judicial reform, fighting corruption, increasing transparency and accountability of public institutions, and efforts for social justice. President Begaj extended special thanks to the representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Tirana for their help and contribution in consolidating democracy, the rule of law, and addressing economic and social challenges in Albania.
During this speech, the President of the Republic reaffirmed Albania’s support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty. On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Albania supports the conflict resolution and initiation of talks for a two-state solution, in peace and cooperation with each other. He also expressed that “crises and threats are expressed in the dragging, and often in the failure of dialogue, in the attack on democratic governance principles, and in the creation of diametrically opposed narratives and actions, and that facing these challenges and threats requires us to be united in an alliance for the protection of peace and democratic values.
“This alliance of values must be open, not closed; inclusive, not exclusive, where cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity is considered an asset, not a deficiency,” declared the President of Albania.
