TIRANA TIMES – TIRANA, April 21
Austria’s support toward Albania’s EU integration and economic cooperation were at the heart of a visit by Foreign Minister Ilir Meta to Vienna to meet with his counterpart Michael Spindelegger.
They discussed bilateral ties, Albania’s European integration and more specifically on the process of visas liberalization as well as on regional developments.
Ties between Albania and Austria are excellent based on a tradition of deep friendship and cooperation. Meta emphasized the increase of Austrian investments in Albania and expressed the willingness of the Albanian Government to welcome other important investors in the future.
Spindelegger pointed out that the progress made by Albania in such a short time is tangible and concrete, also praising the preparation in a record time of the answers to the EU questionnaire, as a major achievement, which shows clearly Albania’s will and ambition to be part of the European Union.
The Austrian minister also praised the tangible progress of Albania in fulfilling its obligations derived from the Road map and expressed his conviction that very soon, Albanian citizens would be able to travel to Europe without visas, guaranteeing at the same time Austria’ full support during this process.
“Freedom of movement is an important step in the rapprochement of the Western Balkan states with the European Union. After Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro, the citizens of Albania should also have the opportunity to get to know Europe and to experience it first hand,” stressed Spindelegger. “The strict EU provisions for visa-free travel must, of course, be observed to the letter. Albania has already done a lot in this respect – yet further progress is necessary. Austria will in any case support Albania in its reform process”, Spindelegger continued.
Meta welcomed the huge support that Spindelegger together with his Greek and Slovene counterparts have shown towards the EU integration of Western Balkans countries, and in particular towards the realization of visa-free travel for all the region’s citizens to the Schengen area.
Meta and Spindelegger also talked about regional developments, sharing the conviction that the Conference of Sarajevo will give a powerful impulse to the integration process as well as to the internal reforms across the countries of the region.
The two Foreign Ministers discussed the important role of Albania as a stability factor for the Western Balkans. Spindelegger stressed in particular Albania’s constructive approach with regard to the differences between Serbia and Kosovo, once again underscoring the EU perspective of all countries in the region, which Austria actively supports.
Both ministers agreed that Kosovo too will further advance in consolidating its democratic institutions, in the further progress of internal inter-ethnic and European integration, as well as in the context of visa-free travel for all its citizens in the near future.
They also praised the active and constructive role that Albania plays in the region, contributing to peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.
Spindelegger also addressed the domestic political situation in Albania, welcoming the return of the opposition to the parliament as an important step toward normalization. “A sound basis for dialogue between the government and the opposition is indispensable. Only when all political forces are pulling in the same direction will it be possible to maintain the reform momentum and quickly achieve progress in the rapprochement process with the EU,” Spindelegger said.
