As part of his official visit to Tirana, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani held a meeting on Friday with Albanian Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, during which they discussed several topics of mutual interest for development of bilateral deletions, political affairs in both countries, cooperation within NATO, European prospects, regional initiatives, as well as ways to improve cooperation within sectoral policies.

“Bilateral relations are beyond good-neighborly and are based on long and stable friendship. Our friendship exceeds the interests of our countries and represents one of the most important pillars for stability, security and prosperity in the region,” Osmani said.

Participants, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release also discussed the Euro-Atlantic agenda, focusing on the official start of EU accession talks.

The top diplomats agreed that the perseverance of both countries on this path and reforms related to it present an added guarantee not only for prosperity and improved living standards, but also for overall development in the region, the press release read.

Participants stressed at the meeting the need for implementation of infrastructure and energy projects and intensifying cooperation in other sectors, such as trade, tourism, culture and education. Special focus was put on Initiative 8, as a valuable forum for promoting trilateral cooperation.

“We have a good chance to ensure implementation of all initiatives, including Initiative 8, thus strengthening our EU perspective,” Osmani underlined.

FM Osmani is also set to meet on Friday in Tirana with Albanian President Ilir Meta, State Minister for Diaspora Pandeli Majko and the leader of the Democratic Party Lulzim Basha.