Issue No. 37, November 2017

MEFA Ditmir Bushati, launched at Tirana Business Park the meeting with the Albanian Ambassadors “Redefining Economic Diplomacy: Challenges and Opportunities” ISSUE No.37, November 2017

• MEFA Ditmir Bushati, launched at Tirana Business Park the meeting with the Albanian Ambassadors “Redefining Economic Diplomacy: Challenges and Opportunities”

• Why now? - 2nd day of the meeting of the Albanian ambassadors in the world on redefining economic diplomacy

• Prime Minister Rama: Albanian diplomacy not only a consumer but also a contributor to economic growth of the country

• The second Conference of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati launched at Tirana trilateral (Albania-Croatia- Business Park, the proceedings of the three-day meeting with the Albanian Montenegro) was held in Durrës ambassadors around the World "Redefining Albanian Economic Diplomacy:

Challenges and Opportunities". • Ninth meeting of the Stabilization

and Association Council between In his speech, Minister Bushati pointed out the need for economic diplomacy in the Albania and the EU held in Brussels function of citizens' welfare and security. For this reason, he continued, "the best

example is the European Union, where prosperity and cooperation between • Minister Bushati calls for greater countries in the function of economic development, has provided the greatest American engagement in facing the longevity of peace and security in the history of our continent." security challenges in Western

Balkan For the Minister Bushati, the diplomatic service should overcome itself and the

things it can do well, such as verbal grades, telegrams as well as diplomatic and • Bushati at the Atlantic Council: Our consular communication among the similars. It is necessary to acquire skills that Challenge, how to transform the respond to needs and reality, in which we live interconnected and dependent on West Balkans into a real region the developments outside us.

• Minister for Europe and Foreign The head of Albanian diplomacy assessed that we need to organically integrate Affairs Ditmir Bushati meets with into our daily work, a new vision for the mission that was assigned to us. President Donald Trump's Security

Advisor, General Herbert Raymond The first panel was devoted to Albanian entrepreneurship abroad, globalization McMaster and expansion modalities. The discussion took place among the ambassadors and

the Union of Albanian Producers, the Albanian Tourism Association (ATA) and the • Minister Bushati celebrates the 105th Fason Chamber, who brought to attention the importance of Albanian anniversary of Independence and entrepreneurship and support it to be competitive abroad. Liberation Day in the U.S.

This meeting lasted three days. The president attended this meeting, as well. • The Western Balkans Fund (WBF)

presented today at the Ministry for During these 3 days, six panels shared ideas, concepts, practices and experiences. Europe and Foreign Affairs its first The aim was to identify, define, design and build together the path and the call for regional projects proposals directions we will follow in terms of reshaping and strengthening the role of our

economic diplomacy.

Why Albania now? - 2nd day of the meeting of the Albanian ambassadors in the world on redefining economic diplomacy

The meeting with the Ambassadors of the Republic of Albania Panelists also discussed exchanging information between in the World "Redefining Albanian Economic Diplomacy: embassies and institutions to enhance the lobbying role, Challenges and Opportunities" concluded the proceedings of so that the results are tangible. The reshuffle of economic the second day. The proceedings were opened with the diplomacy requires a reorganization to have positive greeting of the President of the Republic, Mr. Ilir Meta. results and the definition of priorities should be in the long run. He stressed the role of foreign policy consolidation as a factor of stability in the region. President Meta focused inter alia on Minister of Tourism and Environment, Blendi Klosi, the role of the new and old diaspora in relation to investments pointed to the need to build internal policies to absorb in Albania and attracting foreign investors to our country. He investment in tourism. He, also highlighted that tourism underlined that "Albanians abroad have equally large should become a manufacturing industry for our potential as the Albanians inside, because unfortunately the country. most vital and qualified part of our society today is abroad. Hence, a better relation with them would positively influence Minister of State on Entrepreneurship, Sonila Qato, spoke the country's promotion abroad to foster foreign investment. of foreign investors operating in a business environment, following concrete government initiatives to streamline At today's meeting, the discussion panels focused on legal procedures for business development in Albania. presenting the engagements and reforms undertaken by the She also underscored that part of the work of the Albanian government for legislative changes and new representatives, should be the attraction of Albanian approach to co-ordination of work with business and shaping investors or Albanian businesses, which operate in the international image of Albania. In this context, Minister of countries outside Albania. These countries can contribute Economy and Finance, Arben Ahmetaj, said that it is with their experience and capacities. important to move to a new phase of economic diplomacy, which is related to the promotion of Albania for the benefit of Albanian ambassadors in the world, have also been able as many foreign investors as possible. According to him, to get acquainted with the way of developing economic statistics show that foreign investments have reached the diplomacy in developed countries such as Sweden and value of 1.1 billion euros. the . They could also listen to the problems and positive experiences of large German and American Further, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Damian investments in Albania. Gjiknuri said that our country has great potential in the energy and mining sector. Major works are being built in the The meeting with the Albanian Ambassadors in the energy sector and others are in development. It should be world in the presence of Prime Minister . important to absorb investment in the gas field based also on the impact that the TAP project had on the Albanian economy.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Niko Peleshi in his address emphasized the promotion of the potential that our country offers, especially the agriculture sector, which covers 30% of the country's GDP.

Prime Minister Rama: Albanian diplomacy not only a consumer but also a contributor to economic growth of the country

Prime Minister Edi Rama, in his opening speech on the last day of the meeting with Albanian ambassadors in the world, on economic diplomacy, asked once again that foreign service be in function of economic growth. He encouraged them not to be a consumer but to become one of the contributors to economic growth, the growth of foreign investment in particular sectors, at the central and local level. In this regard, he pointed out that the involvement, engagement and coordination of all institutions is essential to achieve this goal. He asked for the ambassadors’ support to overcome this transition phase.

The discussions focused on co-operation and coordination, through formal and informal mechanisms, between structures in the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in dynamic partnership with state and non-state actors.

Minister of State for Diaspora, Pandeli Majko, underlined that Albanian diaspora is an asset, which has a significant impact on the development of the country, focusing on the fact that our representatives should be the point of reference for its organization.

At the end of the three-day meeting, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati made a summary of the results achieved during the discussions. He underscored the necessity for a new approach, which has already begun in the context of economic diplomacy as well as the need to organize the work of our representatives in this regard. The second Conference of the trilateral (Albania-Croatia-Montenegro) was held in Durrës

At the initiative of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, The trilateral meeting between Albania, Croatia and Ditmir Bushati, took place in Durrës on November 17th, the Montenegro is a good example of how true countries second Trilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Albania, join efforts to give more synergies to the common Croatia and Montenegro. regional agenda, and to consolidate the stance on internal challenges and those that are imported from This platform, which was launched at the first meeting of the conflicting regions. foreign ministers of the three countries, this February in Split, Croatia, serves the joint efforts to consolidate cooperation in The Foreign Ministers of the three countries assessed Adriatic Europe and for a common action in the interest of a at the end of this meeting the need to expand the more secure and interconnected region in all dimensions. trilateral cooperation platform with senior representatives and experts in the fields of interest. During the Trilateral Meeting, the Ministers of Albania, In this way, the ideas and proposals presented in Croatia and Montenegro focused on the cooperation and Trilateral can be materialized and translated into coordination of our countries in the field of security as well as initiatives and concrete actions. on national and regional initiatives in infrastructure, energy and tourism.

A special focus was devoted to the progress and interaction for the advancement of strategic projects such as the Adriatic- Ionian Corridor and the Pipeline which links the Trans- Adriatic line with Croatia via Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the cooperation in the field of tourism and environment.

Montenegro's NATO membership last spring, besides the European affiliation of our countries, has transformed this part of the Western Balkans into Adriatic NATO, contributing directly to security, stability and prosperity for all our countries.

In his intervention Minister Bushati praised the already consolidated cooperation in this trilateral format and reaffirmed Albania's position and role in strengthening the coordination of our countries in the above mentioned areas of common interest.

Ninth meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council between Albania and the EU held in Brussels

The Stabilisation and Association Council between Albania and SAC recognized the role of Albania in the region as a pro- the European Union held its ninth meeting on 15 November active and constructive partner. SA council praised 2017. Albania's continuous participation in regional initiatives and structures in Southeast Europe and its good The SA Council noted that the Commission Report 2016 neighborly relations and constructive attitudes in the recognized the country's progress towards meeting the political region as well. The EU reiterated that good neighborly criteria for membership and overall steady progress in the five relations and stability in the region are essential elements key priorities for opening accession negotiations. The Council of the Stabilization and Association process. also noted that the 2016 Communication by the Commission on the EU Enlargement Strategy, based on the progress in meeting The SA Council welcomed the full alignment of Albania to key priorities and on the implementation of judicial reform and Council decisions and common Foreign and Security the vetting in particular, recommended to open accession Policy. negotiations with Albania. From this moment on, Albania has made further significant progress. The meeting was chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice The SAC noted Albania's ongoing commitment to the reform President of the European Commission, Federica agenda. On that occasion, it stressed that, together with other Mogherini. The Albanian delegation was led by the key priorities, judicial reform remains crucial to Albania's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati. process and can have a transformative Director General for Neighborhood and Enlargement effect on other reforms as well. Negotiations, Christian Danielsson, represented the European Commission. In this context, the SAC congratulated the creation of responsible institutions for the Vetting in June 2017 and stressed that this important success constitutes a step forward in the implementation of the justice reform. The SAC also welcomed the deployment of observers of the International Monitoring Operation, whose work is led by the European Commission. The EU also welcomed the steps Albania has taken in the fight against corruption and organized crime, particularly the positive results achieved in the fight against cannabis cultivation. In addition, the SAC assessed positively the steps taken in human rights issues, including the adoption of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

The SA Council confirmed that Albania maintained an overall sustained pace in the implementation of public administration reform measures. It welcomed in particular the consolidation of measures aimed at strengthening transparency and meritocracy in the Civil Service and improving the effectiveness of public service delivery.

Minister Bushati calls for greater American engagement

in facing the security challenges in Western Balkan

In the framework of his visit to the USA, Minister for Europe He referred specifically to the support Albania has and Foreign Affairs attended an event organized by the Center given to the Euro-Atlantic integration process of the for European Policy Analysis. The event’s theme was Albania’s NATO’s aspirant countries from Western Balkans. point of view on Regional security, Energy and Atlanticism in the Western Balkans. Minister Bushati assessed that this approach is materialized even in the regional cooperation, where Invited to this moderate panel by Mr. Janusz Bugajski and in recently Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, as three the presence of an audience of analysts and diplomats in allies in the NATO along the Adriatic are cooperating Washington, Minister Bushati presented a panorama of the on a trilateral platform. In this way they would security challenges that our societies and in particular the contribute more not only to the regional security Western Balkans are facing today. platforms but also would promote interconnectivity and social development in the Western Balkans. Minister Bushati praised that Western Balkans makes up a complex region as regards the security challenges, listing many Minister Bushati also met with the congressman from elements which require increased attention and cooperation, Florida, Matt Gaetz. They discussed recent not only among the countries of the region but also by the developments in Abania and the region. In his address, European Union and United States of America. congressman Gaetz said that we have a clear mandate to govern and we have our full support for the state- Minister Bushati highlighted that this increased attention consolidation reforms we have undertaken. becomes indispensable if we take into consideration that our region, which is not recovered yet from the past national The USA is particularly interested in the reforms in the reminiscences, is easily exposed and threatened by the influence field of the rule of law and in the potential these reforms of the third actors as well as by the radicalization and foreign can release on the Albanian economy. Furthermore, the fighters engaged in the Syrian conflict. congressman underscored the interest that the USA has

Focusing on the major energy projects such as the Trans- in the sector of energy in Albania. Adriatic Pipeline and the perspective for its enlargement through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia in the Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline project, the strategic importance of our region to the EU in its challenge of diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence, becomes stronger.

Concentrating on the role of Albania in the region, Minister Bushati, emphasized that Albania has a long-term strategic interest to contribute to the peace and stability of the region. In this context, it has used all the international platforms in order to promote this position.

Bushati at the Atlantic Council: Our Challenge, how to transform the West Balkans into a real region

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati, in the Another element emphasized by Minister Bushati as framework of his visit to Washington D.C., attended the regards the European integration, is the need not to fall on conference: "A coming Storm: Shaping a Balkan future in the the trap of chapters. "We have a situation in the region Balkans in an era of uncertainty", organized by the Atlantic where you do not always find the correlation between the Council. chapters and the speed or the quality of the accession process or the democratization cycle”,- Minister Bushati This conference engaged the highest levels of transatlantic underlined. decision-makers and brought together over 100 participants, ranging from regional leaders to decision-makers from both "In terms of challenges,- Minister Bushati said - no matter sides of the Atlantic, as well as top field experts, to focus on what whether Montenegro has opened 28 chapters and Albania it is at risk. It encouraged them to foster support for a renewed is about to sit on the accession negotiations’ table, we are United States policy in the Balkans in partnership with the more or less facing the same challenges such as: the rule of European Union. law, corruption and organized crime, ethnic tensions or the economic disparity. This is a wide gap not only between Although the Western Balkans region has made significant the Western Balkans and European Union, but also progress in its efforts to integrate into the broader transatlantic between the Western Balkans and the so-called newly community, inspired and led by the commitment to join the members of the EU, placing neighboring countries in European Union, NATO and other global institutions, further different positions”. progress is in danger. The conference aimed to generate ideas and new policy proposals to pave the way for the Balkans region, In this context, Minister Bushati underscored that "At least which is now firmly positioned within the transatlantic there would be three areas where I see the contribution of community. the United States and the coordination between United States of America on one hand and the European Union on Minister Bushati highlighted that "although we are speaking the other hand, very important; in terms of security about the region, I can say that we are not yet a true region. All reforms, the rule of law in the economy and issues related Western Balkan countries aspire to integrate into the EU, and to economic development, especially when our region, the have had a different path in this regard, 4 candidate countries at European Union and the United States are facing the same different levels. At the same time, even if we talk about Euro- challenges. Yesterday’s messages of U.S Secretary of State Atlantic integration, it is difficult to talk about a real region, Tillerson - Minister Bushati voiced - are encouraging and given that we have some member states (Albania, Croatia and we hope to have a strong cooperation within the Montenegro), but also countries like which is desperately framework of NATO but also within the European seeking an institutionalized relationship with NATO, countries integration of the Western Balkan countries". like Serbia standing in another position, or even Bosnia, which in the last two years, is not advocating for NATO membership. The same applies to how Western Balkan countries face different challenges. Likewise, alignment of the foreign policy of the Western Balkans with that of the EU is not the same. That is why our first challenge is how to transform the Western Balkans into a truly political, economic and security area.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati meets with President Donald Trump's Security Advisor, General Herbert Raymond McMaster

.

During the visit to the United States, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, held a meeting with the national security advisor of the American president, General McMaster. The Foreign Ministers of the Western Balkans attended this meeting as well, which focused on the security challenges in the region.

Minister Bushati praised the cooperation so far between the two countries and thanked the US High Representative for the support he has given to Albania in building military capacity in the field of defense. He also expressed his gratitude for the assistance to Albanian law enforcement institutions in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and corruption.

He reaffirmed Albania's commitment to continue supporting President Trump's initiative for a frontal fight against terrorism within the Global Coalition. He also confirmed Albania's commitment to actively contribute to Atlantic Alliance's peacekeeping operations in conflict zones.

Minister Bushati underlined the importance that Albanian government gives to the cooperation with religious communities to discourage the phenomenon of violent extremism.

Furthermore, he called for greater engagement of United States of America to provide a comprehensive approach to security structures in the region and reduce the influence of third parties as the only opportunity to guarantee peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

General McMaster praised Albania's contribution to the fight against violent extremism and radicalism and its clear position in function of democratic stability in the region. Minister Bushati celebrates the 105th anniversary of Independence and Liberation Day in the U.S.

During his stay in the U.S., Minister for Europe and Foreign Senator Peters focused on the very important Affairs Ditmir Bushati, attended the reception organized by the relationship between the United States and Albania, in Albanian Embassy on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the function of which, in the US Senate has been Independence and Liberation Day. This year, the reception was established the Albanian Issues Caucus, to strengthen held at the Library of American Congress and attended by and further enhance these ties. He thanked Albanians Kosovo First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign anywhere in the world for the support they have given Affairs Behgjet Pacolli, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hoyt to the cause of liberty. On his side, Congressman Engel Brian Yee, Senator Gary Peters and Congressman Eliot Engel, pointed out the special friendship that Albanians have co-chairmen of Albanian Issues Caucus, former U.S with the American people, "which you can find ambassadors who served in Albania and many compatriots as nowhere else in the world", - he stressed. He also well. praised the contribution that Albanian Diaspora in the U.S, has given to American culture. In his address, Minister Bushati praised the excellent relations of strategic partnership between the two countries. These With the support of MEFA and in cooperation with the relations are based on common interests and same viewpoints Central State Archives, were exposed online, at the in terms of security in Europe and the transatlantic community, Congress Library, the Purple Codices of Berat, which as well as on shared values and beliefs. "Although a small country, Albania stands alongside the United States in the fight are already part of the World Digital Library. against terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism. Our distinct story of religious tolerance is a special asset that we use to prevent these phenomena and global threats", - Minister Bushati underlined.

The U.S Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Hoyt Lee conveyed the best wishes to the Albanian people on behalf of the American government and people. "This is certainly a day to be celebrated",- he said. 105 years of Independence, but also a quarter-century of successful and fruitful cooperation between Albania and the United States, a dynamic friendship which becomes each day stronger. Today we also celebrate your progress towards European integration, where we are looking forward to seeing you as a member. You are in NATO and at the same time you are an example for the region. You look forward and not backwards, building a future and creating new opportunities for your youth”.

The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) presented today at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs its first call for regional projects proposals

The Western Balkans Fund (WBF) presented its first call for Following the presentation of Tirana, the Fund will regional projects proposals. continue with presentations in Skopje, Pristina, Podgorica, Sarajevo and Belgrade. The event was welcomed by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, who thanked first of all the The Western Balkans Fund is an intergovernmental countries of Visegrad for the invaluable help they have given organization established by the Contracting Parties (WB6 throughout the process, the ambassadors of the Western Balkan group: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, countries, countries with which we have collaborated to create Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia). This is the first this initiative and this fund. “I would like to encourage fund regional organization which has the headquarters in Tirana. managers, the secretariat, which includes experts from all The aim of the projects is to promote common values Western Balkan countries, to cooperate with another regional among citizens, civil society and institutions in the region, initiative, the RYCO (Regional Center for Youth Co-operation). strengthening cooperation and contacts between people in It is an initiative that groups Western Balkan countries. It should the Western Balkans. be considered as a complementary initiative both in terms of projects and those who could benefit from these projects ", - Minister Bushati highlighted.

This was the first presentation through which, the Western Balkans Fund informed civil society and non-profit organizations in Albania, about the call from the Fund to propose projects that could link organizations from the Western Balkan countries in the fields cultural cooperation, educational and scientific exchanges and sustainable development.

The event was attended by more than 100 leaders of civil society organizations, as well as ambassadors of the Western Balkan countries, the Visegrad group and the European Union countries.

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