The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka held a meeting with her Italian counterpart, Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio, as part of her official visit to Italy.

The meeting focused on the procedures required to finalize the deal on the mutual recognition of the driving licenses.

“Another concrete step in the bilateral cooperation was the today’s accord to finalize the procedures for the agreement on the mutual recognition of the driving licence, which is set to be signed in Tirana next week. In fact, we discussed it with my colleague Di Maio, they are actually two concrete actions like this, though seemingly minor in the huge diplomacy scheme, which have the most direct and most tangible impact on the citizens,” Foreign Minister Xhaçka said during a joint press conference.

Albania’s diplomacy chief also hailed Italy’s continued and unwavering support for Albania’s integration processes, emphasizing that Italy has historically adapted a strategic approach to our region compared to other EU member states.

On his part, Italian Foreign Minister Di Maio, in addition to praising Albania’s progress on the path towards integration, underlined that progress of April 25 elections is very important.

“April 25 elections will represent an essential phase on the European journey. We are sure that all Albanian institutions and political forces will demonstrate evidence of democratic maturity, confirming that they are ready to embark on the European path,” the Italian Foreign Minister said in his remarks.