The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, stated today that Albania is now ready for the Second Intergovernmental Conference with the EU.

In a press conference at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, discussing the diplomatic achievements for the year 2023 and expectations for the upcoming year, Hasani expressed that Albanian diplomacy in 2023 has been an unprecedented period of achievements and successes.

“In the last three years, Albania has played a leading role in the highest international political forums,” said Hasani.

The Minister stated, “The mandate in the Security Council was given to us in a challenging time for international politics. However, we managed to have a dignified and respected performance. Thanks to this performance, we enjoy the respect and admiration of our partners”.

Hasani emphasized that “Albania’s candidacies for the UNSC and UNESCO received massive support”, adding that “our rival was Russia”.

“In 2023, we had a significant progress in the European integration process. Albania’s work in this direction has been recognized as a successful model for the entire region,” said Hasani.

The Minister highlighted that “Albania is now ready for the Second Intergovernmental Conference”, adding that “we expect good news at the beginning of 2024 regarding negotiations with the EU”.

Furthermore, Hasani emphasized that cooperation with the Albanian factor in the region is another achievement for the year we are leaving behind.

“Further consolidation of cooperation with the diaspora is a key priority for 2024,” he stated.

Hasani added that “Albania takes pride in the increase in its contribution to regional processes”.

“The presidencies of the initiatives we undertake in 2024 will help deepen regional cooperation and integration,” said the Minister, adding that economic diplomacy is a focus of the priorities for the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in 2024.

Hasani stressed that “the Foreign Service will work to attract as many projects and investments as possible”.

“We will work to promote the opportunities offered by Albania as best as we can. We are working on the design of the trade attaché network and the establishment of the Export Council,” he said.

Hasani expressed that “the restructuring of the Foreign Service is also one of our priorities for 2024”.