26 February 2018•Update: 26 February 2018
By Fatjon Cuka & Furkan Abdula
TIRANA
The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said on Sunday that the bloc would be by Albania's side to help prepare the country for accession.
Speaking during a joint press conference with the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama during his visit to Tirana, Juncker said Western Balkan and Albania are allies of the European Union, partners friendly countries.
"History has divided us for a long time, and we shouldn’t lose any more time. This is the time to rewrite history," Juncker said.
He said Albania had undertaken many reforms in many fields, which he said are "impressive".
"If these reforms go on, that will allow the European Commission to recommend the negotiations," the president said regarding the country's accession.
"I am not in Tirana today to give a concrete date, but to encourage Albania to continue with its reforms," said Juncker, adding that all countries that fulfill the criteria will become members.
Rama, speaking on reforms that his country made, said his country's determination remains firm as the reforms which he said are indispensable, necessary and obligatory.
"Not just for the European integration, but because Albania needs them and we owe them to the next generation," Rama added.
