TIRANA, Oct. 24 – Albania’s President Ilir Meta said Albanian and regional expectations for EU membership continue to be high, as a lot of work is being done to open accession negotiations soon, during a press conference with Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen.
Meta visited Austria invited by Van der Bellen to conduct bilateral discussions as heads of their respective delegations.
“I took the occasion to congratulate President Van der Bellen for the successful Austrian leadership of the EU Presidency, valuing the attention it dedicates to the Western Balkans, as an important priority of the EU. For this reason Albania’s, but also the region’s, expectations are, rightfully, very high, despite difficulties. We are working hard to open accession negotiations with the European Union as soon as possible,” Meta said.
He underlined that both countries share the belief that the affirmative vote in the Macedonian parliament to begin constitutional amendments is an important step which emphasizes the common trust that its NATO and EU memberships are going in the right direction.
Meta also met the President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka.
During this meeting, he once again highlighted the excellent Albanian-Austrian relations and stressed the right moment to enhance economic and educational cooperation has arrived, in line with the already established corporations in other areas.
“The Austrian parliament, like all the other institutions in the country, are unwavering supporters of Albanian and regional European integration, and the reconfirmation of this stand through Mr. Sobotka is a very encouraging news,” Meta said.
