TIRANA – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met with German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sigmar Gabriel, who evaluated integration reforms and guaranteed the continuation of a strong support of Albanian citizens’ aspiration to join the European Union, in Berlin, ATA reports.
The meeting focused on other topics of discussion as well including the region current development and the role of Albania as a peace and stability factor.
Following the meeting Rama said to the media that it was not only a pleasure, but also a special honour to meet again and an opportunity to hail the generous support of Germany to Albania and the region.
Rama expressed his gratitude “particularly to the fundamental judicial reform, where thanks to the support of Germany and the support of other partners, the process has advanced.
“We hope to meet the challenge, to start implementation of the reform through Vetting Judges and Prosecutors as required by the European Commission recommendation, to enable opening accession negotiations to EU. Once again, many thanks and be confident that Albania and the Albanian people is a very committed partner in this special relationship between Germany and Albania and the region as well,” said Prime Minister Rama.
German Foreign Minister, Sigmar Gabriel emphasized that “we want to advance Albania’s integration to EU. The plan is already on the table. I would like to thank you for carrying out the reforms and to your personal commitment and attitude to defuse conflicts in the neighbouring countries.”
“On the eve of the election process we know even in Germany, that the reforms are not simple, however most Albanians want further stability and progress,” said FM Gabriel.
Foreign Minister Gabriel underlined that Albania has a great historical opportunity to join the EU and on the other hand, Europe has the opportunity as well to cooperate with Albania as a guarantee to peace and stability with its neighbouring countries.
“I personally thank you and welcome you to Berlin,” he said to the Prime Minister Rama.