Tirana, Budapest pledge further stronger ties

TIRANA, March 28 – Hungarian Foreign Minister P굥r Bal⻳ held a two-day visit to Tirana to talk with all top officials pledging further closer ties in all the spheres.
Budapest also pledged its direct influence to speed up the visa liberalization procedure Albania is expecting to get from the European Union Schengen countries.
During the visit, Balazs discussed the deepening of relations between Albania and Hungary as well as the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The talks were focused on the European integration of Albania and the region, particularly in view of the institutional operation following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and the rotating Presidencies by Member States, Hungary’s preparations for its EU rotating Presidency in the first half of the year 2011, issues of visa liberalization process, candidate status, bilateral cooperation, their intensification in the economic area, issues concerning the Balkan region and cooperation in the context of international organizations.
Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta laid the emphasis on stepping up cooperation and the Hungarian increased assistance and support in the path of Albania’s European integration; he did also consider the necessity of cooperation in the economic field.
Bal⻳ expressed his appreciation for Albania’s successes on the reforms and the European integration process, as well as the Hungarian support for the visa liberalization process; he gave assurances that his country would support Albania and the Western Balkan countries during their integration process into the European family.
The two countries also signed two agreements; a protocol of cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries and an agreement on economic cooperation
The two countries first established their diplomatic ties in March 1922.
“The relations between our two countries have been brilliant for centuries long,” said Meta, adding that Albania and Hungary were pleased with that.
“We are following with the same sympathy and support Albanian endeavors for European integration. True, there are important things to be done in order to reach integration to the single European market, Schengen area and Euro zone; however, we stand ready to assist you for the successful accomplishment of all these steps,” said Balazs.
The Hungarian Minister also met with President Bamir Topi and Prime Minister Sali Berisha.