Italian FM Angelino Alfano said Tuesday that Italy considers Albania as a key actor in Balkans, a volatile and segmented region.
“Albania has contributed to the stability of the region,” Alfano said at a joint press conference with Albanian FM in Tirana on Tuesday.
The comment comes as Macedonian president Ivanov has repeatedly accused Albania of interfering at Macedonia’s internal affairs has the small Balkan country has failed to form the new government following the December’s snap elections.
“Balkan countries have a strategic importance not only for Italy, but for all Europe,” Alfano said. “The risk of instability in Balkan countries is rising and this may put in question the results achieved so far. EU must reaffirm its role as the main partner of the region and send a clear and concrete message of cooperation with all Western Balkan Countries,” he said.
Albanian FM Ditmir Bushati for his part said he is grateful to Italy and FM Angelino Alfano for supporting Albania’s EU accession path.
Two ministers discussed improving the strategic partnership between two counties, Albanian EU accession process and the latest developments in Balkans.
Alfano’s visit to Albania comes weeks before Roma takes the rotating chairmanship of the Berlin Process and starts the preparations for the Trieste summit, scheduled to be held on July 12.
EU leaders, chancellor Merkel, Itlaian PM, France and Austrian leaders are planned to come togather with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosvo leaders to discuss regions EU integration process and conectivity. /tvklan.al
