By Jerina Zaloshnja
ROME, Jan. 10 – Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto made a visit to Rome where he met with his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini.
Both Ministers signed the Agreement of Cooperation between the two countries on the Diplomatic Representation and Consular Protection in those countries where either side does not have diplomatic representation.
The two ministers talked on the bilateral relations, Albania’s European integration and developments in the region.
Haxhinasto thanked Italy’s role, considering it as a strategic partner for Albania, and especially Frattini calling him as a friend of Albania and Albanians in the visa liberalization process and Albania’s process of integration to the EU.
Both ministers pledged to work together on the further and concrete enrichment of the bilateral agenda, the intensification of cooperation at all areas of mutual benefit, as economy, energy, infrastructure, transport and agriculture and urged further promotion of Italian investments in Albania, particularly in the energy and infrastructural projects, Albania’s inclusion in the important international east – west gas networks transiting through the region, the undertaking of shared projects for Corridor VIII and others.
Frattini assured Haxhinasto for his full-fledged support for Albania’s EU integration.
Frattini also commended Albania’s constructive regional policy and spoke on Italy’s strategic role in Western Balkans and its ongoing contribution in support of Kosovo’s independence and state consolidation.
“We shall continue our cooperation during the coming months, so that the implementation of these 12 points required as benchmarks by the EU Commission is made possible. To make it wholly clear, we have to explain even better the situation in Albania to the public opinion and media,” said Frattini.
The Italian minister also urged the Albanian opposition to take part at the parliament voting on important laws linked to the country’s integration steps.
“The opposition should take part in a normal parliamentary process, in supporting and endorsing all reforms needed for this integration process and required by the Commission Opinion,” he said.
Haxhinasto also met with Vice President of the Italian Senate and Representative of the Italian Parliamentary Delegation in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Lamberto Dini, and Vice President of the Italian Senate Emma Bonino, who shared with him Italy determination to support Albania’s further progress in its European agenda. They also acknowledged Albania’s role in the region, particularly for its stability and security.
Haxhinasto also had a separate meeting with prominent and successful representatives of the Albanian community in Italy coming from various business, culture, journalism, arts and academic areas, like ballet dancer Kledi Kadiu, soprano Anila Kraja and others.
They exchanged views on increasing the care of the Albanian state for the immigrants, particularly with regard to maintaining the traditions, culture and language and also in upgrading consular services, the issuance of biometric passports by the Embassies and the acknowledgment of social insurance contributions.
It was also learnt that next week Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha will go to Milan together with Economy Minister Ilir Meta to make a full presentation on Albania and on the economic sources it offers to Italian investors.
