Issue No. 35, September 2017

Bushati-Pacolli: the first visit to constitutes the most brilliant signal of close political and fraternal cooperation

ISSUE No.35, September 2017

• Bushati-Pacolli: the first visit to Tirana constitutes the most brilliant signal of close political and fraternal cooperation

• Bushati at SEECP: is meeting the conditions for opening negotiations

• Minister Bushati attended the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir In this context, it is expected that a meeting of the Ministers of Bushati, received today in an official visit the First customs checkpoint will be put into operation Foreign Affairs of the European Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign at the Port of Durres, which will create further Union Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, Behgjet Pacolli. facilities in the flow of goods. • Bushati and Greminger discuss During the meeting, Minister Bushati underlined Minister Bushati reaffirmed the support of deepening cooperation on major that the first visit of his counterpart Pacolli in Tirana Albania in all the processes that Kosovo is reforms in the country is undoubtedly the most brilliant signal of close going through, especially in the advancement of political and fraternal cooperation between the two recognition and membership in international • Bushati-Steiner: UN's activity in governments. He also noted the irreplaceable forums, cooperation with NATO and the EU. Albania to be maximally linked to contribution of Mr. Pacolli in the building of the the new priorities of the state of Kosovo and in particular in the On his part, First Deputy Prime Minister and Government program strengthening of its sovereignty and international Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of subjectivity. Kosovo, Behgjet Pacolli, congratulated Minister • Bushati-Hahn: commitments of Bushati for his reconfirmation on duty and Trieste Summit on Regional The two interlocutors shared the view that the underlined the need to attend joint diplomatic Economic Zone need to be comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our missions. In addition, Deputy Prime Minister fulfilled two countries, in all fields and levels, serves as a Pacolli highlighted the free movement and model and encouragement for regional co-operation. expressed the conviction that it will be fully • Bushati – Alfano: “Mediterranean implemented between "Rama 2" and Haradinaj Women Mediators Network” will Organization of the next meeting in our country governments. contribute to peace and security at between the two governments within this year will national, regional and be in the function of a pragmatic and fruitful Following his visit to Tirana, Deputy Prime international level cooperation that radiates added value not only to Minister Pacolli held a meeting with Prime the geopolitical balances of the region but also to the Minister and he will also be received • Bushati meets the Albanian common Euro-Atlantic perspective. by the President of the Republic, Ilir Meta Diaspora in New York: the Albanian government committed Both officials also discussed the need for to renew relations with the rationalization of resources in general and human Albanians abroad resources in diplomatic and consular representation in particular. "It is our common ambition to expand the map of political and diplomatic interaction to better serve our citizens," Bushati said.

Minister Bushati expressed his conviction that the steps undertaken so far with Kosovo in the framework of unification of markets, overcoming of barriers to trade, infrastructure and energy connections are a prime premise for the promotion of our interests within the Berlin Process and in particular the realization of the objectives put forward at the Trieste Summit for a joint regional market.

Bushati at SEECP: Albania is meeting the conditions for opening negotiations

In the framework of his visit to Slovenia, Minister Bushati attended the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South East European Co-operation Process.

During his speech, Minister Bushati thanked the Slovenian party for its unconditional support in the integration process of Albania and the region.

In addition, Minister Bushati underlined the three immediate risks posed to the region. “The first risk is that we loose sight of #EU accesion as a common primary objective, the second risk is that we focus on empty political cooperation without concrete deliverables for our citizens; while the third risk would be to consider that we can sacrifice rule of law and democracy on the altar of stability”, Bushati said.

Besides talks on the pace and quality of the integration process, Minister Bushati voiced “the time has come for this process to have a true timeline and deadlines”.

In the course of the Ministerial Conference, at a meeting with the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, Minister Bushati expressed confidence that Albania's progress in implementing the justice reform and the clear priorities of the new Albanian government in the field of integration make ground on opening negotiations for accession.

Minister Bushati also had a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Çavusoglu.

The Turkish Minister congratulated Minister Bushati on his re- appointment as Foreign Minister and expressed appreciation for the dynamism of relations between the two countries under the impulse of Prime Minister Rama and President Erdogan.

Both ministers expressed their optimism on the progress made so far for the creation of the Albanian airline with the assistance of Turkish Airlines.

Furthermore, parties agreed to deepen cooperation in a number of international and regional organizations, especially in the security field.

Minister Bushati attended the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, upon invitation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and Estonian Foreign Minister, Sven Mikser, attended the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU (Gymnich) held in Estonia.

In this meeting were also invited Foreign Ministers of the EU candidate countries. Discussions focused on common security challenges in Europe, especially in preventing and fighting radicalism and violent extremism.

Minister Bushati briefed on Albania's measures and achievements in preventing and fighting violent extremism and also expressed Albania’s continued support and full alignment with the EU policy on addressing security challenges.

Minister Bushati reiterated the need for an increased EU presence in the Western Balkans, in the framework of a strengthened partnership in dealing with common challenges.

Minister Bushati stressed that in order to prevent the spread of extremist ideology, economic development and employment opportunities for young people should remain a high priority. In this context, he stressed the need to narrow the gap in economic development between EU countries and our region also through the financial instruments of the EU enlargement process.

During his visit in Tallinn, Minister Bushati held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto. Minister Bushati informed his Hungarian counterpart on the progress of the reform process in Albania and the preparations for the formation of the new government.

Minister Szijjarto assured Hungary's full support for opening accession negotiations with the EU. The two ministers also discussed ways of deepening economic exchanges between the two countries. Bushati and Greminger discuss deepening cooperation on major reforms in the country

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati was in New Minister Bushati congratulated his counterpart on the positive York attending the working sessions of the 72nd UN General developments in Tunisia towards building democracy and creating Assembly (UNGA 72). an open society. "Tunisia is an example of the success of the so-called

Arab Spring" - Bushati said. In this framework, Minister Bushati held a meeting with the OSCE

Secretary-General Thomas Greminger. He congratulated the new The ministers agreed to increase contacts and exploit more OSCE Secretary-General for his appointment and confirmed opportunities in developing bilateral relations. Minister Bushati Albania's readiness for assistance and cooperation in achieving the invited his counterpart for a visit to Albania. At the end of the organization's objectives. meeting, the ministers signed an agreement on abolishing visas for

diplomatic passports. At the meeting was discussed the security situation and other issues of concern for the OSCE as well as agreed on the need for greater involvement of the Organization on addressing crises, aiming at fully utilizing its potential to strengthen and expand cooperation between member states. Minister Bushati underlined the enhancing cooperation between Albania and the OSCE in support of major reforms in the country.

Interlocutors exchanged views on the recent situation and developments in the Balkans and assessed Albania's role and contribution to strengthening peace, security and interconnection in the region. Furthermore, Bushati stressed the need to completely include each Western Balkan country within all European developments. "The OSCE should be able to allow Kosovo to gradually become part of the OSCE forums, starting from those forums that deal particularly with developments in Kosovo" - Bushati underscored.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affair, Ditmir Bushati also held a meeting with the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Khemaies Jhinaoui.

Bushati-Steiner: UN's activity in Albania to be maximally linked to the new priorities of the Government program

In the framework of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, At the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Minister Bushati held a meeting with UNDP new Administrator, Norway, Børge Brende, both ministers praised bilateral co- Achim Steiner. operation, the successful cooperation in the energy sector and agreed to intensify cooperation in other areas of interest. At the meeting was highlighted the importance of continuing close and successful cooperation between Albania and the UN, particularly Minister Bushati praised Norway's Cooperation and Development as regards a closer coordination for the implementation of Assistance for Albania. Furthermore, Ministers shared views on Sustainable Development Goals and commitments under the Climate economic diplomacy, on the most practical and successful forms Agreement. and ways to engage the diplomatic service system in the economy.

Minister Bushati underscored the need for UN activity in Albania to While analysing the situation and developments in the region, be maximally linked up with the new priorities of the government Minister Bushati praised Norway's contribution to the preservation program, to focus on aspects of vocational training and youth and strengthening of peace and security in the Western Balkans. employment as well as be linked with the overall progress of the While referring to security challenges in the European area, process. Minister Bushati invited the UN ministers shared view on the importance of strengthening the Administrator for a visit to Albania. Atlantic bond as the backbone for peace-keeping, stability and security in Europe and beyond. While in New York, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati also held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Didier Reynders and his Norwegian counterpart, Børge Brende.

At the meeting with his counterpart Reynders, ministers commended the overall cooperation between the two countries, and expressed their commitment to strengthen economic cooperation, as one of the untapped potentials. Minister Bushati spoke highly of the contribution of Belgian companies in the TAP project as model to boost Belgian investments in Albania.

Ministers praised the steps made to expand bilateral legal framework with the entry into force of the Agreement on International Transport, Agreement on Social Protection as well as the Apostle Seal Agreement as important moments for facilitating multidimensional bilateral cooperation.

Minister Bushati expressed gratitude for Belgian support in the framework of preparation for opening accession negotiations with the European Union.

Ministers shared views on issues of interest during the session of the General Assembly and other bodies of the UN system.

Bushati-Hahn: commitments of Trieste Summit on Regional Economic Zone need to be fulfilled

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati continued his agenda of meetings in New York, in the framework of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly.

Minister Bushati attended a working lunch of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Western Balkan countries with the Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council.

The meeting focused on the implementation of commitments made at the Trieste Summit, in particular the Action Plan for the creation of the Regional Economic Zone, as well as on the following discussions at the meeting held by Prime Minister Rama with prime ministers of the region, in Durres, in August c.y.

Minister Bushati praised the role and commitment of Commissioner Hahn to develop the Regional Economic Zone. "We see it as a facilitating instrument of our European project. It can neither be an alternative nor a substitute project", Bushati underscored.

Bushati praised the report of President Junker on the State of Union and highlighted the clear prospect of enlargement for the Western Balkans. While referring to structuring regional cooperation which has significantly expanded in recent years, Bushati stressed the importance of a fair and equitable distribution of headquarters of regional organizations among all countries. He also underscored the need for a calendar of activities in terms of cooperation within the Western Balkans, at all levels. Bushati – Alfano: “Mediterranean Women Mediators Network” will contribute to peace and security at national, regional and international level

Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, Minister Bushati briefed on the priorities of the new government, along with his Italian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and on the latest developments in the relations between Albania and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano and the UN Women Israel and stressed the need to use all ways and means to further organization took part in the side-event "Mediterranean Women strengthen them. “The expansion of economic relations to Mediators Network - From Paper to Practice". Ministers took encourage the presence of Israeli business in Albania is of advantage of the UN General Assembly's session in New York to paramount importance”, Bushati underscored. He also made an organize this meeting, which anticipated the launching of the overview of the progress of the European integration process and Mediterranean Women Mediators Network in Rome, at the end of relations with the United States of America. October 2017. Minister Bushati responded to the interest of the participants on the Italian Foreign Minister, UN Women Deputy President as well as reform process in Albania, on plans to strengthen education and Secretary-General's Senior Advisor stressed the importance of mentioned the continuous efforts work and care carried out to women's participation in mediation processes with the conviction maintain harmony and strengthen respect among religions in the that peace efforts need everyone's contribution, especially of country. Minister Bushati also informed on Government projects women, given their central role in the family and society. They for a closer cooperation with the Albanian Diaspora communities noted that the partnership for peace through various mediation and exchanged views on Israel's experience in this regard. networks is indispensable to overcoming the challenges the world and in particular the Mediterranean regions are facing today. The Representatives of the AJC once again highly valued the important speakers outlined concrete ways on how women mediator role of the Albanian people in protecting the Jews in Albania networks will contribute to peace and security at national, regional during the Second World War. and international level.

Minister Bushati highlighted Albania's support for creating the network. He praised the important role of these mediation networks especially in those regions where women are protagonists. In compliance with UNSC resolutions on strengthening the role of women in society in resolving conflicts, the Albanian Minister underlined the irreplaceable role of women in overcoming a series of challenges that the Mediterranean region faces today. Referring to the position of women in the Albanian society, Bushati voiced that their participation in leadership levels has been increasing and today they are represented by about 30% in parliament, 50% in the Government cabinet, 45% in the public administration, 25% in leading positions in diplomacy, etc. Minister Bushati confirmed that women from Albania will be part of the network and will be committed to the success of the initiative.

In New York, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati also held a meeting with the Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), David Harris and members of the organization.

Bushati meets the Albanian Diaspora in New York: the Albanian government committed to renew relations with the Albanians abroad

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, who was in the United States of America attending the working sessions of the 72nd UN General Assembly (UNGA 72), held a meeting with representatives of the Albanian Diaspora in New York.

In this meeting attended also the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, Behgjet Pacolli, Minister Bushati expressed his appreciation to our conationals in the United States, not only for their contribution to the homeland but also for the high level of integration in the American society, while reaffirming his full commitment to deepen cooperation with the Diaspora as well as improve the quality of services to them.

Minister Bushati noted the initiatives of the Albanian Government to establishing a new and more structured relations with the Albanians abroad, to their positive engagement to the country's developments, as well as he outlined the commitments of the Ministry he heads.

It is worth mentioning the successful organization of the First Diaspora Summit in Tirana on 18-20 November 2016, where a large number of Albanians from the US actively participated in the Summit works, as well as the successful launch of online consular services, which offer faster, inexpensive and transparent services for all Albanians.

Furthermore, Minister Bushati expressed his commitment for registering all Albanians living abroad and giving them the opportunity to vote from anywhere they live at the upcoming 2021 parliamentary elections.

In this context, he highlighted the establishment of the State Ministry for Diaspora in the new Government, which will bear the heavy burden of responsibility for revitalizing relations with the Diaspora and its active engagement in the country's economic and social developments #Cultural&DigitalDiplomacy

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Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Blv. Gjergj Fishta, no. 6, Tirana, Albania. punetejashtme.gov.al Follow us on FB / Ministria për Evropën dhe Punët e Jashtme; Twitter@AlbanianMEFA; Instagram: AlbanianMEFA