President Begaj from Tallinn, Estonia: Exciting News! A Direct Air Route from Vilnius to Tirana Now Two Times a Week Starting Next June
Lithuania marked the final stop for the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, during his state visits to the Baltic States. The welcoming ceremony took place at the “Golden Gate” presidential palace. Initially, President Begaj had a one-on-one meeting with the President of the Republic of Lithuania, H.E. Mr. Gitanas Nausėda, followed by an extended meeting with the participation of respective delegations. The two presidents shared the outcomes of their discussion in a joint press conference.
The conversation centered on strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two countries, Albania’s EU membership, the Western Balkans, unwavering support for Ukraine, and collective efforts to maintain peace and security.
President Begaj was optimistic about the results of this visit to Lithuania and previously to Latvia and Estonia, highlighting that strengthening relations serves the countries in addressing new global challenges and improving citizen welfare. The discussion with the Lithuanian president also covered the importance of increasing exchanges and cooperation in defense, security, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
“The Vilnius-Tirana route, operating twice a week starting this June through Air Baltic, is the good news we just received from the President of Lithuania,” announced President Begaj after the meeting with his counterpart, Nausėda.
Both President Begaj and his Lithuanian counterpart, Nausėda, reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on security issues, align with European Union policies, and share experiences to expedite Albania’s EU membership. In this process, President Begaj regarded Lithuania as an exemplary model to follow, thanking President Nausėda for his support.
President Begaj emphasized that Albania has never wavered in its European stance, being present in all operations undertaken by the EU to defend democracy and the values on which the Union is founded and operates. “Investing in defense is investing in the future and security of the world,” assessed President Begaj, who highlighted the importance of unity in the face of current threats.
Albania and Lithuania, as noted in the meeting, share the same values as NATO allies, showing readiness to enhance support for Ukraine and contribute to international peace and freedom missions.
President Begaj conveyed his gratitude to President Nausėda for Lithuania’s contribution to KFOR and its full support for Kosova’s membership in Euro-Atlantic organizations.
Besides his meeting with President Nausėda, during his stay in Vilnius, President Begaj was hosted in separate meetings by the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė, the Parliamentary Speaker, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, and members of the Lithuania-Western Balkans Friendship Group. Discussions focused on increasing economic exchanges, strengthening cooperation as NATO members, and deepening inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries.