President Begaj on Official Visit to Austria, Welcomed with High Honors by President Van der Bellen
President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj, commenced his official visit to Austria and was today welcomed with high honors by President Alexander Van der Bellen. The visit started with a one-on-one meeting followed by broader discussions involving delegations from both countries and concluded with a joint press conference.
During the press conference confirming the traditional friendship between Albania and Austria, the leaders expressed unified stances on an intensive and sustainable partnership, tackling regional and European integration challenges, and a strategic vision for integrating the Western Balkans into the European Union.
The discussion covered a broad range of topics, details of which President Begaj shared during the press conference with President Van der Bellen.
President Begaj expressed gratitude towards Austria for its early, continuous, and committed support in various fields such as economy, education, tourism, judicial reform, and notably in accelerating the European integration process.
“Our relationship constitutes a partnership that grows stronger day by day,” declared President Begaj, emphasizing the excellent political dialogue and shared strategic interests with Austria, preserving common Euro-Atlantic values: “We must ensure these strategic interests are reflected in joint actions for the future of a developed Albania, an Albania that is a member of the European Union, a secure, peaceful, and integrated Western Balkans, and a region free from the influence of external actors.”
President Begaj highlighted that Albania has made rapid progress in the last two years and is optimistic about opening all negotiation chapters within the year, aiming for EU membership by 2030: “While membership will take time, the process, which transforms our society, governance, and economy, bringing direct benefits to all our citizens, is what matters most.”
President Begaj appreciated Austria’s commitment to Albania’s future in the EU and the Austrian leadership for its strategic vision to keep the Western Balkans firmly on the European path. This commitment is also reflected in Austria’s initiation of the diplomatic group “Friends of the Western Balkans,” aimed at strengthening the EU’s engagement with the region. Such an approach, President Begaj noted, will promote regional stability and mitigate geopolitical risks from external influences. He considered the upcoming European Political Community meeting in Tirana on May 16th as significant and good news for Albania.
During the meeting with President Van der Bellen, Kosovo was also discussed, where President Begaj thanked his counterpart for Austria’s role and contribution to Kosovo’s independence, the strengthening of the new state, new recognitions, and its membership in regional and international organizations.
