Greek diplomatic official to strengthen ties with Tirana

TIRANA, Nov 23 – Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas made a visit to Tirana, the first from the new greek cabinet. He met with Foriegn Minsitrr Ilir Meta, Prime Minister Sali Berisha and President Bamir Topi, and also with opposition Socialist leader, Edi Rama, the Tirana mayor.
Droutsas reassured Tirana of Athens full support in its integration path towaards the European Union.
Albania thanked him on Greece’s support in Tirana’s successfull NATO membership as well as for the strong support that Greece is providing Albania with the further steps toward the European integration.
Droutsas said Greek new government of George Papandreou is looking forward to continue the close cooperation between the two governments and countries.
“Greece remains one of the strongest supporters of the visa liberalization process for the Albanian citizens into the European space”, said Droutsas.
Droutsas also explained to Albanian officials the vision of his premier Papandreou and his government for a fresh incitement of the goals of the Thessaloniki agenda while demanding that the EU sets a time limit for Albania and the other Western Balkan countries full membership, in accordance with the Thessaloniki agenda, while suggesting year 2014 as the final deadline for completion of this process.
“We are very pleased with this new and powerful impulse that Greece and Prime Minister Papandreou want to give to the EU membership of our countries,” said Meta.
“Greece is an excellent political partner for peace, stability and security in our region, for European integration, one of our major supporters in being part of NATO; at the same time, Greece is one of the major and most important economic and trading partners and partners at other areas as well.”
Droutsas urged Albanian politics to achieve “more tangible results in the daily life of the citizens, regardless of their nationality and religious affiliation.”
“We are talking for the Centenary of the proclamation of World War I, an event which has still left open wounds from which Western Balkans is languishing even nowadays,” said Droutsas. “Therefore, it is very symbolical. For the EU in its essence is a model of peace and we believe that it is tasked with assuming its own responsibilities for the region of the Balkans, and historical and inseparable region of Europe.”