Albania has been elected as a temporary member of the UN Security Council for 2022-2023.
190 states voted overall, of which 175 in favor of Albania’s bid to the Security Council.
For the first time in the country’s 65 years membership, the selection is being seen widely as a positive opportunity for Albania.
Albania will take over the mandate in January 2022. The Security Council is among the most important organs in the United Nations, tasked to preserve peace and security.
The Security Council of UN, one of the highest bodies of the UN is made up of 15 countries, 5 permanent ones with the power to veto – namely the US, Russia, China, Great Britain and France – and 10 temporary members that are chosen by the General Parliamentary Assembly of the UN.
For Albania, – said Xhaçka – this means that we will be able to make important decisions at an important round table and our foreign politics will meet another level of importance and prestige. Meanwhile, Albania will also have the chance to create closer rapports and collaborations with several truly powerful countries.
“It means negotiating regarding important decisions, which in turn also means being able to elevate the importance of your own country in the international arena,” stated Xhaçka.
Reactions from state authorities and heads of diplomatic missions in the country
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama referred to the recent development as “good news” adding that the decision was taken after receiving 175 out of 117 votes necessary.
President Ilir Meta expressed certainty that the country will succeed in fulfilling all challenges.
(2/2) The challenges are extraordinary and very difficult, but I express the conviction that our country will fulfill with high responsibility this task and mission for the next two years. 🇦🇱🇺🇳 @UN #SecurityCouncil @AlMissionUN @UN_Albania pic.twitter.com/jJcG8bVXeK
— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) June 11, 2021
The decision was also greeted by the EU Ambassador to Albania Luigi Soreca, hailing it as a “historic day for Albania”.
Historical day for #Albania🇦🇱and its people. Congratulations for election as member of the @UN🇺🇳 Security Council 2022-2023! Looking forward to work even more closely together in addressing global 🌎issues! @AlbanianDiplo @xhacka_olta @UN_Albania @ @AlMissionUN #EU4Albania🇪🇺🇦🇱
— Luigi Soreca🇪🇺 (@LSorecaEU) June 11, 2021
Ambassador of the United States to Albania, Yuri Kim while congratulating the country for the historic day, emphasized that the US is looking forward to working closely with Albania.
History has been made: Congratulations to 🇦🇱 on being elected for the first time ever to the UN Security Council. 🇺🇸 looks forward to working with 🇦🇱 even more closely in the region and around the world. Urime!
— Ambassador Yuri Kim (@USAmbAlbania) June 11, 2021
