Minister Dr Logar and Acting Foreign Minister Cakaj on support for Albania’s EU integration and solidarity for overcoming the Covid-19 crisis

6. 7. 2020

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar hosted Gent Cakaj, Acting Foreign Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, who was in Slovenia on a working visit. The ministers expressed satisfaction with the excellent relations between the two countries and were in full agreement that the current situation calls for solidarity in tackling the economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister Dr Logar pledged his full support for Albania’s EU integration.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar with Gent Cakaj, Acting Foreign Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania | Author STA

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The two ministers focused their discussion on the bilateral cooperation in all areas and Albania’s EU integration. Minister Logar highlighted the excellent political ties between the two countries, adding that there are many more possibilities for even closer cooperation in the economic field. The two countries are very successful at fostering development cooperation, whereby Slovenia allocates most of the funds for achieving progress in the EU integration efforts.

Minister Logar welcomed the decision to open accession negotiations with Albania, which European leaders endorsed in March 2020. He underlined the importance of the further implementation of reforms in the priority areas as defined by the Commission: electoral, justice and public administration reforms, as well as the fight against corruption and organised crime. He assessed that Albania’s efforts in the EU integration process are crucial in achieving progress in the reform agenda and political stability in the country and, therefore, in the region.

The counterparts agreed on the need to show solidarity in the present situation to address the economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. They voiced their satisfaction with the EU’s response that sends an important message of solidarity to the Western Balkan countries, including Albania, as the EU will provide them with financial assistance to counter the consequences of the pandemic.

Minister Logar expressed his gratitude that Slovenia will send a donation to Albania to alleviate the consequences of the destructive earthquake that hit the country last November. The EUR 300,000 donation that Slovenia pledged at the donors’ conference in Brussels will be used for the construction of a modular school. Both ministers advocated for a prompt construction of the school.

The talks between the ministers also touched on cooperation within multilateral organisations. They devoted particular attention to cooperation within the OSCE and within NATO. Minister Logar congratulated the Acting Foreign Minister Cakaj for the successful work that Albania, as the current holder of the OSCE chairmanship, is carrying out for enhancing dialogue and cooperation among the participating States.

The ministers also discussed the situation in the wider region and other current international issues. Minister Logar emphasised the importance of further constructive neighbourly cooperation and strengthening of regional cooperation.