Executive Director of the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) Albert Rakipi and the German Ambasador to Tirana Hellmut Hoffmann signed an agreement to fund a joint centre that will improve relations between Albania and Serbia on Thursday, Jan. 28.
According to a press release by the German Embassy in Tirana, the project of two non-governmental organizations in Albania and in Serbia,was granted 40 000 euro and aims to support dialogue and exchange between the two countries.
“We strongly support this initiative! The approach (towards the EU integration) needs exchange! It is a good thing that in the context of this project are engaged not only political representatives of Albania and Serbia, but also more and more representatives from the civil society, media, and cultural and educational institutions are joining in,” said Hoffmann during the signing ceremony at the German Embassy.
The joint center aims to organize various activities and projects. AIIS and the Forum for International Relations of the European Movement Serbia (EMinS) will also contribute in improving the relations between the two EU-candidate countries, Albania and Serbia.
According to the press release, among the activities included in the project are:
- Holding discussions with Youth groups as well as business, culture, and science representatives
- Creating an exchange forum on controversial topics in the bilateral relations sector
- Founding of the European Academy of Youth with the participation of young Albanians and Serbians.
- Creating a several month-long bilateral internship program
- Exchange programs for journalists from both countries
The total amount of 40 000 Euro granted by the German party was sponsored by the Federal Government allocated for the Stability Pact for South East Europe aiming to guarantee peace in the region. “This is a strategic and long-term project that serves to the normalization process of Albania-Serbia relations, and the European future of the whole region,” Rakipi said.
The collaboration of Albanian and Serbian non-governmental organizations aims to support the reconciliation process between Albania and Serbia, while youth exchange programs will aid in eliminating prejudices.
According to the German Embassy, the media reporting improvement could generate various opportunities for further collaboration which could not only benefit to Albania and Serbia, but to the Western Balkans as well.
