Albania is an ‘important partner’ of EU: German president

BELGRADE, Serbia

Albania is a “friendly country and an important partner” of the EU, especially Germany, the German president said on Friday.

“Therefore, it is important for us to strengthen this special bond that has grown between the two countries over the years, through the visit,” Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a joint news conference with his Albanian counterpart Bajram Begaj in the Albanian capital Tirana.

He urged Albania to “keep on further work in the fight against all obstacles, in coping with corruption and organized crime, keep on justice reform, and the opposition and government should work beyond political battles toward the joint destination of EU membership.”

He expressed hope that Albania will become part of the EU “very soon.”

Albanian President Bajram Begaj said a series of high-level visits with the German President indicates Germany's interest in Albania with excellent political cooperation.

“The support of the Bundestag (German parliament) and the German Government for reforms in important sectors such as European Integration, justice reform, state police, and energy has been uninterrupted and always welcome," Begaj said.

Steinmeier also addressed the Albanian parliament and met with Prime Minister Edi Rama.