The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, during his joint statement with Prime Minister Rama, expressed high considerations for Albania’s membership in the European Union.

Orban emphasized his full conviction that Albania will have to become part of the Union, in order not only to be part of the big European family, but also to extend the hand of cooperation with many other countries.

The Hungarian Prime Minister also expressed his pride for his country’s status this year, i.e. that of the presidency of the European Council, implying that it will be an ally and an additional help for Albania even during the intergovernmental conference between the EU and Albania.

“I think that the best cure for this situation is for the EU to welcome the countries of the Western Balkans into its own family, because this way the blood will circulate better in other European countries.

Albania has done a wonderful job during the talks with the EU, in a process that has been based on merit. Albania should be part of the EU, but unfortunately we are seeing political obstacles. However, I can tell you that we have succeeded because next week in Luskemburg we will have the intergovernmental conference between the EU and Albania.

The first group-chapter will be opened and for this I want to congratulate Prime Minister Rama and Albania. I am very proud that this moment comes in this period when Hungary also holds the presidency of the EU Council.

Perhaps you remember that we have had these discussions since Croatia became part of the EU. Hungary, in the spirit of a responsible policy of good neighborliness, has helped the EU by also offering support for the financing of the countries of the Western Balkans.

You don’t have to wait for the membership that you can benefit from this, we also discussed our bilateral cooperation,” said Orban.