German Minister for Europe Michael Roth in an official visit to Tirana met with Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka, reiterating Germany’s support for holding the first intergovernmental conference with Albania and North Macedonia during the Portuguese Presidency of the EU, MIA’s Tirana correspondent reports.

“Germany, together with other EU member countries, is strongly committed to resolving all existing misunderstandings between North Macedonia and Bulgaria as soon as possible in order to achieve this goal,” Minister Roth said.

Minister Xhaçka said his visit was another clear signal of Germany’s commitment to supporting the Western Balkans in their EU integration.

She welcomed the support of official Berlin and its commitment, not only during its EU presidency but also afterwards, to helping reach a consensus within the EU to accelerate the adoption of the negotiating framework and hold the first intergovernmental conference.

“We did our homework,” Xhaçka said. “Things are moving in the right direction, including the fight against corruption and organized crime. If you look at how much work has been done since the March 2020 EU Council decision, despite the fact that the last 15 months have been some of the most difficult in our history, you will understand how responsible and committed we are to the integration process.”

Yesterday afternoon, Roth met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Later today he will meet with Lulzim Basha, leader of the Democratic Party, the largest opposition party.