Albania has made rapid progress on its path towards EU integration - Braze

RIGA - On July 9, during a visit to Riga by Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze (New Unity), expressed her gratitude for Albania’s contribution to the security of the Baltic Sea region and praised the progress Albania has made on its path towards European Union integration, LETA learned from the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

The ministers discussed bilateral relations, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the growing unconventional threats posed by Russia, support for Ukraine and the international rules-based order, the security situation, cooperation within NATO, and the enlargement of the EU.

Minister Braze said: "Albania is a trusted ally of Latvia, and we enjoy excellent bilateral relations. I thank the Minister for Albania’s contribution to the security of the Baltic Sea region and for the presence of around 20 Albanian troops in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Adazi."

She also noted that Albania has made rapid progress on its path towards EU integration, demonstrating commitment and motivation to align with EU values. "I encourage Albania to continue its ongoing reforms so that, within the next few years, it may become an EU member state based on the fulfilment of the required criteria," she said.

"We are likeminded in our continued support for Ukraine and the need to contain Russia. I also thank Albania for its support of the UN General Assembly resolutions related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine," Braze added.

Minister Braze noted that the participation of Albanian troops in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia strengthens NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities on the Eastern flank. She also highlighted Latvia’s long-standing involvement in NATO’s peacekeeping operation in Kosovo (KFOR), which contributes to the security and stability of the Western Balkan region. Both ministers welcomed the outcomes of the NATO Summit in The Hague.

Minister Hasani expressed his appreciation for Latvia’s consistent support for Albania’s EU integration and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to continue with reforms.

Both countries are interested in deepening academic and scientific cooperation. The ministers welcomed the launch of direct airBaltic flights between Riga and Tirana in 2024, which can help with fostering business and tourism development.

Minister Hasani praised Latvia’s contribution to the development of Albania’s new generation of professionals, who since 2016 have had the opportunity to study in the Intensive Program in European Law and Economics at the Riga Graduate School of Law.

During the visit, Minister Hasani visited the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and, together with Minister Braze, laid flowers at the Monument of Freedom. At Riga Stradins University, he became acquainted with the work of the Medical Education Technology Centre. He also met with Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence. At the Adazi Military Base, Minister Hasani met with Albanian troops.