The second day of the Ambassadors’ Conference “Diplo 2025,” themed “Albania 2030: In Europe, Connected with the World”, is taking place in Tirana.

Albanian ambassadors accredited worldwide, along with domestic and international experts, are discussing European integration, economic diplomacy, and regional and global security.

During her address at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku said that Albania is at a historic moment, very close to achieving the major dream of joining the European Union.

“Today we are at an important historical moment for the country. Albania, long seated at the negotiating table, is only one step away from its great dream, which can no longer be called just a dream. It is now a tangible reality, and every day we hear more from high EU officials that the date of accession is approaching. We must all commit to fulfilling the requirements, which include diplomacy and strengthening capacities in renewable resources,” Balluku said.

She added that Albania has a stable and competitive economy, while transparent policies have attracted major companies to the country. Large infrastructure projects, Balluku noted, are not only investments for the Albanian economy but also for the connectivity of the Western Balkans.

In this context, she highlighted the Porto Romano Port, which is expected to become the largest in the region, serving cities such as Pristina and Skopje and turning into a key regional hub.

Balluku also spoke about the 40-kilometer railway project connecting Tirana with Rinas Airport and then with Durrës. She stressed that this is the first project of its kind and marks an important strategic step, improving the capital’s connection with both the port and the airport.

“This development marks the beginning of the revitalization of the Albanian railway. This investment can be considered the ‘first swallow’ that makes our strategy for modernizing rail transport in the country concrete,” the minister said.