Montenegro and Albania are leaders in the European Union accession process and together can contribute to accelerating the European integration of the Western Balkans through sharing experiences, synchronizing reform efforts, and mutual support in key negotiation areas.
This was assessed at a meeting between Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević and Albanian Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Duka in Tirana.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs, the discussion focused on further strengthening bilateral cooperation within the framework of the European integration process, with a particular focus on the implementation of reforms, progress in negotiations, and the benefits of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
"Montenegro and Albania share the same strategic goal - full membership in the European Union. This visit once again confirms the strong partnership between our countries and the commitment to the European future of the region. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a clear signal that the European Union recognizes and rewards reform efforts, which further motivates us to accelerate the reform process and make it visible to our citizens," said Gorčević.
Duka, the statement reads, emphasized that regional cooperation is key to strengthening the European perspective of the Western Balkans and highlighted the importance of Montenegro's experience in closing chapters, which can be useful for Albania as it progresses through the negotiation clusters.
"Albania and Montenegro are already showing how neighborly cooperation can contribute to faster progress in the negotiation process. The exchange of experiences, especially in the areas of the rule of law, economic reform and public administration, can ensure greater efficiency in implementing the necessary reforms. We are confident that with decisive reforms and European support, we will meet the conditions for further opening of negotiation clusters, and Montenegro for closing its chapters," said Duka.
The ministers also discussed reforms in the areas of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, as key conditions for progress in the negotiation process. They particularly highlighted the need for stronger institutional cooperation in the fight against hybrid threats and harmonisation with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, the statement added.
During his visit to Albania, Gorčević will deliver a lecture to students at the College of Europe in Tirana on the topic "Accelerated Enlargement Policy in the Western Balkans: The Case of Montenegro".
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