On Monday, October 26th the Albanian Institute for International Studies and the Albanian Council on Foreign Affairs organized the Security and Foreign Policy Forum, themed “Albanian Foreign Policy- continuity through changes”. The event aimed to give a thorough and more insightful presentation of the challenges, Albanian Foreign Policy is facing this term of office. The audience consisting of representatives of the Albanian government, diplomatic body in Tirana, members of parliaments and different think tanks was addressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilir Meta.
In his speech, Meta said that Albania is a strategic, regional actor in terms of security and prosperity.
By Ilir Meta
Albania has gained a new status and role in international relations, as a logical outcome of the growing partnership with all the structures of regional and global security, following NATO membership in April of this year. We are in an important and constructive process with the European Union after the entry into force on 1 April of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and the application for candidate country status, as well as on an intensive period of completion of requirements for visa liberalization with the EU.
Albania is a strategic country for security, peace and prosperity for the Balkans, the Mediterranean and Europe. Our foreign policy is determined to increase this role and contribution, as a factor with regional impact for increasing regional security and to guarantee political stability and regional economic growth.
Obviously, it is a known fact to all that the Balkan Geopolitics is enriched during the last two decades with new political realities and state founding. The last one is the new state of Kosovo, whose independence was the right decision to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
In my judgment, Kosovo faces a double challenge today. Firstly, the further consolidation of its new and independent institutions, and secondly, of the same importance, the new state institutions of Kosovo should be established, developed and consolidated in full compliance with standards required by its European integration perspective, which in the last Progress Report the European Commission are more concrete and clear.
I believe that the Kosovo authorities have and will have a maximum willingness to cooperate closely with the international community and especially the European Union and EULEX, to coordinate closely by applying the highest standards of rule of law and respect for the rights of minorities.
Albania supports the further recognition of the Republic of Kosovo and welcomes its membership in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
The development of bilateral relations with Serbia is a very important priority of our regional policy. These relationships should be seen and encouraged only in spirit of future prospects. We will work intensively and constructively with the Government of Serbia, to advance and deepen political dialogue and cooperation on matters of mutual and regional interest.
Albania encourages and supports the integration of Serbia in all regional initiatives, such as the recent Defense Ministerial of the South-Eastern Europe, since it believes that without such a participation, cooperation and its full integration in these organizations, their existence will be incomplete.
Constructive cooperation between Albania and Serbia brings a positive impact for the entire region.
In relation with Macedonia, Albania will continue to pursue its policy of good neighborliness, mutual cooperation, in support of its rapid integration into NATO, and we also support the process of its membership in the European Union.
I do also believe that neighboring Macedonia will undertake the necessary steps for the full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, which will create a new and more consolidated climate of the inter-ethnic coexistence, sharing and coordination of responsibilities in managing the country affairs and in integration process.
The late tensions of incorrect historical references, serve neither the region nor Macedonia itself, since this rhetoric may have the risk of acceleration in undesirable levels and will backfire. The reaction of the Macedonian state authorities to withdraw from circulation the encyclopedia that sparked much debate was welcomed by us; likewise, we have condemned the statements for extremism. I believe that we should spend less time on history and more energy on our common European integration.
Seizing the opportunity of my presence in this Forum, I would like to highlight my highest appreciation for the important decision of the authorities and parliaments of Kosovo and Macedonia for the signing of the Agreement on the demarcation of the borderline and the establishment of diplomatic relations, as a step in the right direction in strengthening the good neighborliness climate, peace and security in the region, which helps the integration process.
Montenegro, as one of the other constituent elements coming out of former Yugoslavia with neighboring Albania constitutes an excellent model of good neighborly relations. Only within a decade we have jumped from inexistent relations to dynamic multilateral ones.
I mentioned on purpose from the very beginning Albania’s relations with these countries, because we share a common problem with them: the existence of ethnic Albanians in each of these states, which I believe constitutes a key factor that should unite us in our joint efforts, to leave behind the past and look towards the future- i.e. the region’s European integration which in its core signifies coexistence, tolerance and cooperation.
Albania’s foreign policy backs up the integration of Bosnia&Herzegovina in NATO and the EU. But, I think that to achieve a new dynamic in the integration processes, Bosnia& Herzegovina should accomplish those reforms that make the state more functional and solid.
I believe that regional cooperation will be more complete, more constructive, more stable and useful in the integration process, not only through political dialogue and phrases for good neighborliness. This cooperation should be concrete and spread in all areas that create a new level of economic growth and power for the region.
I mention from the start the free movement of citizens in their respective countries, because I consider an anomaly the fact that while we ask for a free visa regime in EU, some of our countries still apply a visa regime against each other.
The essential growth of exchanges that create a better mutual recognition, as it comes in particular through communication among academic elites; cultural and social exchanges should be promoted and institutionalized.
The increase of trade exchanges through the creation of a regional economic space, which facilitates and eliminates barriers through the real implementation of the free trade agreements and regional economic integration.
The strengthening of a regional infrastructure network with axes that interlink the main lines of movement and exchanges, as well as their connection with European and Euro-Asian infrastructure networks, which I believe, will finally positively convert our region not only by the geo-strategic viewpoint, but would make it more secure by increasing its geo-economic dimension, by considerably expanding the market interest and increase foreign investments.
An economically interdependent Balkans, intertwined with neighbor countries and regions having shared historical interests, as Italy, Greece, and Turkey, with which we have natural traditional and strategic bonds, with the traditional powers and new EU member states and with the current centers of the world economic development will give to it a new dynamics of development and prosperity; the latter is necessary for its European integration but also to ensure the regional and cross-regional markets for the EU.
Strengthening the security dimension in the traditional and the new concept in the region by ensuring peace and stability, the democratization of our societies, the common fight against organized crime and trafficking, the control over the flows and confiscation of their money, the consolidation and fulfillment of the highest security standards and integrated border management, may be realized quicker through a more regional coordination by law enforcement agencies, with the EU assistance as well.
Safety for the energy sector through the construction and modernization of regional interconnection grids, ensuring the crude oil and gas pipelines from East to West through Balkan Routes will increase the specific role of the region, as an actor of weight and significance for the future of the EU itself; it will also ensure its security from the energy dependence, and above all in regard of security, peace, the wellbeing of the peoples and the region itself.
The geographical position of the region, whose strategic interests as a major joining route between East and West would be reinforced with a new dynamics would make its integration rapid and indispensable for Europe itself, since its current position, as a region surrounded by EU borders, but unintegrated to the latter would be detrimental to all sides. Meanwhile, the Balkans perspective, as a new center of economic development and employment would facilitate things for the EU itself in terms of a challenge which is equally political and economical.
Albania’s European vocation remains unchangeable and our major foreign policy priority is EU integration. We are awaiting that the decision on the start of negotiations for the candidate status be reached as soon as possible and free from any hesitation; therefore, we are working intensively on this respect to meet all the required standards, cooperating closely with the major generators of its policy and economy, as Germany, France, Italy, the UK and Spain and also with the new member countries, since their experience is fresher and closer to the problematic which our country is facing.
On this occasion, I would like to extend the highest appreciation for the work and enthusiasm of the Swedish EU Presidency in advancing the agenda of free movement for the region’s citizens and I am convinced that the upcoming Spanish EU Presidency will promote this process further on. We welcome the idea of a new Summit on Western Balkans and its European perspective.
I seize this opportunity to welcome from this forum the idea of the new Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Papandreu, on the EU Enlargement with Western Balkan countries within the year 2014, on the centenary of the break-out of the First World War.
The visa liberalization process is equally important for Albania; not simply as an opportunity for the free travel of our citizens, but also as a psychological release for the citizens of the whole region. I express my conviction that within the coming year, the positive decision for the final overcoming of this hurdle will be taken; that will release positive energies and will create a really visible perspective for each of our countries.
I emphasize this fact because even 20 years after the Fall of Berlin Wall, which paved the way to the process of the founding of a single EU, the walls that are still holding us apart from this reality should be torn down to the benefit of security, peace and our shared prosperity.
Albania merits this after is accession to NATO, since in its challenges we have also involved ourselves and have contributed without any hesitation. Accordingly, Albania is an added value for NATO and a genuine contributor with its capabilities and capacities on all the hot spots of regional and global policy, relying on the positive tradition and experience created through years, as a factor of regional peace ands stability.
Albania will continue to be a reliable and important partner for the USA and NATO in the global challenge against international terrorism. The increase of Albanian troops in Afghanistan, whose contribution will also grow in the future, serves to this end. Albania’s new level of international role is also reflected in the quality of bilateral relations, both with the traditional and new factors.
The USA will continue to be our strategic ally in the issues of regional and global policy and security. The increased US economic cooperation and investments in Albania will remain a key priority.
Relations with Italy are at their highest level and soon, this cooperation will be institutionalized with the signature of the Document on Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Relations with Greece are brilliant and of strategic significance. I commend the positive advancement in tackling some inherited issues and I believe that with the good will and in the spirit of integration, they will find the proper solution.
Albania and Turkey enjoy brilliant and traditional relations, which are being materialized with a vigorous dynamics in an economic and trade cooperation.
Our foreign policy has entered with certitude in a new stage of Albania’s dynamics and role in the regional and international stage. Its growing participation and contribution at all organizations we adhere to, through new commitments in the common institutions and initiatives and on a broader scale indicate our flexibility in exercising rights and responsibilities, as the application to hold in an proper moment the OSCE rotating Chairmanship or to be non-permanent country or member at the UN Security Council.
Albania believes on a strong, dynamic and reformed UN, capable of adapting itself and effectively responding to challenges on global scale, serving peace, integrated development, protection of human rights and climate changes. We are committed to and we have supported the initiative to go to Copenhagen with a “sealed deal” on the global warming issues.
In the new epoch of global developments, powerful policy – making centers and economic development, such as Japan, India, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and others cannot be left out the attention of increased level of communication, political dialogue and exchanges at all areas of mutual benefit.
We shall enhance our diplomatic presence at these countries, as the opening lately of our embassies in Japan, Brazil, and India and elsewhere, since we believe that this presence will better serve the new country’s role in the international arena and its economic interest.
We have the good will to further develop relations with Russia, as a significant factor for global peace and security.
China, as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, but also as an economic power and a friendly country represents another significant priority. On this occasion, I would like to underscore as a contribution in strengthening these early relations, the visit in Tirana during this week by the Deputy Prime Minister of China, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
I believe that a deeper knowledge on the cultures of each other assists in easing differences and changes, an outcome of lack of communication between the sides. However, technological progress and globalism have substantially reduced both the distances and differences. Therefore, Albania is committed to the implementation of the National Strategy on Cross-Cultural Dialopue, in the framework of the Alliance of Civilizations and the International Organization of Francophony. In addition, Albania’s affirmation as a Mediterranean country and with its interests in this region shall also remain a priority.
I cannot fail to mention on this occasion the crucial role of both the old and new diaspora for Albania. The attention for this essential dimension of the Albanian state, through active information over the developments and market opportunities for investments, but also the maintenance and consolidation of their identity in the countries of domicile, by producing real opportunities from an ongoing communication, the exercise of the voting right in the countries of domicile, their issuance with identification documents and passports as a legal state obligation, as well as the establishment of cultural centers for the preservation and promotion of culture and communication with the native country represents a priority; therefore, the state and diplomacy will allocate funding, time and the necessary communication.
While thanking you for this opportunity, I would also like to highlight the exceptional role that non-profit independent organizations could play in this respect, as an important dimension for the society; they will always find the Foreign Ministry doors open, with a view to establish and institutionalize an intensive communication between it and “think tanks” in the field of foreign policy, human rights, economy and the all-Albanian world as a whole.
Finally, I would like, once again, to underline that European integration remains our major challenge in the foreign policy field; it should first come through more intensive regional integration, to the benefit of peace, stability and prosperity for the Albanian people and all other peoples in the region, Europe and world.
