As the leader of one of the countries that strongly supports the EU’s enlargement to the Western Balkans, Croatia’s President underlined once again Zagreb’s support to Tirana on its way to Brussels.
During a welcoming speech held at the Albanian Parliament on the occasion of her two day visit to Tirana, President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović said:
“Croatia strongly supports Albania’s path towards EU integration and welcomes all the visible progress made by Albania to meet EU criteria. “
She said that Croatia attaches great importance to stability, security and prosperity in Southeast Europe and supports the European perspective throughout this region.
“Albania is a very important partner not only strategic but also political, and this is recognized by the EU”.
“Today, as a young, energetic nation and zealous and committed to Western values, Albania has excellent prospects and it is very important to note that the EU should evaluate this. I also want to congratulate you on the decision of the EU Council to recognize Albania’s progress by opening the way for launching the negotiations next June. “
As the president of a friendly state, Kitarović called for national unity on strategic issues.
“For this purpose it is very important to ensure a national unity for strategic issues in order to maintain motivation for reforms.”
Kitarović said Croatia will work for another EU-Western Balkans summit and will help Albania by providing its experience.
“Croatia devotes all its attention to the enlargement of the EU and these will be part of our presidency priorities and we will make great efforts to organize another summit between Europe and the Western Balkans. Croatia will continue to support Albania’s EU integration process by offering it its experience and supporting institution building. “
Earlier on Thursday, the Croatian President was received by Prime Minister Edi Rama./tvklan.al
