Topi urges closer cooperation with Slovenia

TIRANA, Oct 14 – President Bamir Topi held a two-day visit to Slovenia this week urging closer cooperation between the two countries.
Economic cooperation between Slovenia and Albania topped the agenda he had with Slovenian host Danilo Tuerk at Brdo estate on Tuesday.
“Albania is currently one of the most dynamic European countries,” Tuerk said after talks, referring to its economic and political development.
During the visit Topi also spoke about the country’s political situation. He urged the opposition to end the parliament boycott as that could hurt its EU bid. Topi said that he hoped the political dialogue with the opposition would be established soon.
“Albanian democracy is functioning, institutions are being consolidated on a daily basis,” President Bamir Topi told a news conference. “I don’t think there is any element that could prevent Albania’s integration in the European Union.”
The Socialists have been boycotting parliament since the June 28 general election, which gave the ruling Democratic Party a second mandate by the smallest margin in any election held since the end of communism in the Balkan state.
Western observers said the June vote marked an improvement on previous elections but had still fallen short of the highest international standards.
“I have made all the appeals I could to strengthen, establish political dialogue because no rational solution is possible in a democratic state without a political dialogue,” he said.
Western institutions and ambassadors in Albania have also called on the opposition to hold its political fight at the parliament.