TIRANA – Albanian Minister of Interior Fatmir Xhafaj on Wednesday met with the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, who affirmed support for Albania’s European Integration process.
The Commissioner welcomed the Albania’s continued commitment to EU-related reforms, the government actions and the results achieved so far in the fight against cannabis cultivation, integrated border management with a view to curbing illegal migration and asylum, and the fight against organized crime.
He encouraged Albanian government to keep on this standard in the future in order to ensure consistency in delivering solid results.
“We discussed all issues related to Albania’s EU perspective. Albania is a significant factor to the whole region. Albania is a good neighbour of the country I come from and a future member of the European family,” the European Commissioner said.
Avramopoulos voiced confidence that excellent cooperation with Albania will continue in the future.
“We are here today to work together in order to overcome all the issues and requirements that should be met to open the EU’s doors to Albania. And we are mutually committed to increasing and deepening our co-operation in order to reach this moment. I would continue to support and stand on Albania’s side on the path towards the EU,” Avramopoulos stated.
Interior Minister Xhafaj described Commissioner Avramopoulos a very good friend of Albania, highlighting his extraordinary support to Albanians and their European integration process.
“Commissioner is a staunch support of the aspirations of the Albanian people and my country on the road towards further integration into the European Union. He is also a very important support regarding the security and public order issues in Albania,” Xhafaj said.
Interior Minister noted that Albania is committed to making significant steps in the fight against organized crime, addressing issues of illegal immigration and a series of other EU-related issues.
Xhafaj invited EU Commissioner Avramopoulos to visit Tirana and see for himself the results of this process and the further steps Albania plans to take in these important areas.