Germany is a strong supporter of Albania’s integration in the European Union. Prime Minister Edi Rama met in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel who considered the integration reforms of the country, and assured the Prime Minister on the continuation of a strong support to the aspiration of the Albanians to join the European Union. The conversation focused also on the recent developments in the region, and on the role of Albania as a factor of peace and stability.
Prime Minister Rama and Minister Gabriel’s press release after the meeting:
Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel: We want to take forward Albania’s approximation to the European Union. The plan is already on the table. I want to thank you also for the reforms that you are carrying out, and for your personal commitment and your attitude to defuse conflicts in neighbouring countries. We know that reforms are not easy on the eve of electoral processes; we know it very well also in Germany, but we know also that most Albanians seek stabilization and further advancement. Albania has the great historical chance to join the European Union, but on the other hand Europe also has the opportunity to cooperate with Albania and its neighbour countries for peace and stability, and you are a guarantor for this. I thank you personally, and I welcome you in Berlin.
Prime Minister Edi Rama: Many thanks! It is not only a pleasure but also a special honour to meet again with you, and it is an opportunity to express once again our gratitude for the generous support of Germany to Albania and the region. Our gratitude goes especially for the fundamental reform in justice, in terms of which we are in a very advanced process thanks to your support and the support of other partners. We hope very much that we will live up to the challenge to start the implementation of the reform through the vetting of judges and prosecutors. As it is required and commonly understood in the recommendation of the European Commission, it will enable us to open negotiations with the EU. Once again, many thanks, and be assured that Albania and the Albanians are very committed to this very special relationship of Germany with Albania and the region.
