Meta at CEI meeting

TIRANA, Nov 16 – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta took part at the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Central European Initiative (CEI) held in Bucharest, Romania.
The Ministerial Meeting was held on the occasion of the termination of the Romanian Chairmanship of this Initiative, under the moto ” Supporting the Common European future in Addressing the Current Challenges”
The Ministerial Meeting coincided with the 20th Anniversary of the CEI founding; therefore, during their interventions, the Foreign Ministers dwelled on the achievements marked during the last two decades, particularly in the framework of the European integration of the member countries.
Meta highlighted the dynamics of cooperation in the CEI context, specifying the significance of the approachment of the Initiative member states that are not yet EU members to the structures of European Union.
He spoke on the progress made by Albania in the EU integration process, laying emphasis on meeting the required standards, including herewith the requirements met for visa liberalization with the EU.
He also pointed out that the accession of Albania and Croatia to NATO was a very important event, not only for these two countries, but for the whole region as well.
Referring regional developments Meta regarded Kosovo’s independence as a significant development for regional stability. Accordingly, he emphasized the importance of including Kosovo in the processes of integration to the European and Euro – Atlantic institutions and to the regional cooperation mechanisms.
Meta considered CEI a very important forum of regional cooperation for strengthening political dialogue and concrete cooperation through projects implemented at various areas. While underlining European integration as the most important challenge for this Initiative, Meta underscored that “the European vocation for Albania and Albanians remains unchangeable and therefore, EU integration is a major priority of the foreign policy of the Albanian state”.
He briefed the summit on the current stage of Albania’s EU integration process, dwelling on the application for the candidate status and the commitment of the Albanian Government to meet the requirements for the visa liberalization with the EU.
Meta expressed the confidence that “within next year, a positive decision will be reached to finally overcome this barrier; this would release positive energies and would produce a genuine and tangible perspective for each of our countries”.
Albania’s NATO accession, the climate of peace and security in the region, particularly after the independence of Kosovo were other points highlighted during Meta’s statement at this Summit.
While confirming for the Heads of Governments of member states Albania’s will to continue being an active partner in meeting the challenges of this Initiative and for the realization of all its agendas, Mr. Meta assured the upcoming Montenegrin Chairmanship for the close support and cooperation on the part of the Albanian side.
Meta also met with some counterparts like Italian one Franco Frattini and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Balazh.
During the 20 years of its existence, CEI has taken an active part in the historical changes in Europe, playing a significant role in the promotion of political dialogue, democracy, tolerance, in upholding human rights and the rule of law.
During the summit, a series of important documents were adopted, such as the Plan of Action for the years 2010-2012, the Declaration of the 20th Anniversary of the Founding of CEI and the Summit’s Political Paper. In the Final Document of this Summit, among others, all Heads of Governments supported the commitment of EU Commission for the liberalization of visa regime for the whole of Western Balkans; in particular, the need was emphasized to take as soon as possible the decision on the visa liberalization with Albania and Bosnia – Herzegovina.
The CEI Chairmanship for the year 2010 will pass over to Montenegro.