telegram diplomatik - Ministria e Punëve të Jashtme

Issue No. 5, December 1, 2014
Monthly Newsletter
TALBANIAN
ELEGRAM D IPLOMATI K
MFA NEWSLET TER
BOOSTING ALBANIAN – GERMAN
RELATIONS: MINISTER BUSHATI MEETS
WITH THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR
EUROPEAN AFFAIRS OF GERMANY
Issue No. 5. December 1, 2014

BOOSTING ALBANIAN-GERMAN
RELATIONS

COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL

UK-ALBANIA TRADE AND INVESTMENT
FORUM IS ORGANIZED IN LONDON, UK

ECONOMIC CONFERENCE ON ALBANIA IN
PARIS

ALBANIA’S NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED
IN THE WORLD

VI CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE IS HELD IN
BERLIN

MFA BUSHATI’S WORKING VISIT IN
BRUSSELS
On November 21, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati
received, the Minister of State for European Affairs at the
Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Michael Roth.
role of Albania to promoting peace, security and sustainable
development of the region, and, in this context, the visit of
Prime Minister Rama in Serbia.
Minister Bushati appreciated the visit of Minister Roth and
expressed gratitude for the continuous support that Germany
has provided and continues to provide to Albania, which
reaffirms the importance of cooperation between these two
countries.
Considering the EU as a community of values, whose
importance becomes even more relevant today in the
framework of challenges facing Europe and beyond, Minister
Roth expressed appreciation for Albania’s alignments on
foreign policy, as an EU candidate country, in accordance
with the principles of foreign policy and security of the EU.
On his part, Minister Bushati appreciated the attention,
commitment and the active role of Germany to intensify
regional cooperation and influence the enlargement process,
also in the geopolitical context.
During the meeting, they reiterated their common willingness to
intensify political dialogue, cooperate to strengthen the rule of
law in Albania focusing on the implementation of the existing
legal framework, implement reforms and fulfill the criteria that
will lead the country towards the opening of EU accession
negotiations. Noting the complexity of the enlargement process,
Roth praised the progress made by the government on the
reforms’ process, highlighting key reforms and further steps to
be taken in the path of EU membership.
Moreover, they focused on recent developments in the
Balkans, where Minister Roth praised the active and stabilizing
Minister Bushati extended his thanks to Minister Roth, for his
presence as a special guest at the event organized at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the 25th
anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which marked the
symbolic future not only of Germany, but of the whole
Europe. After the meeting, Ministers Bushati and Roth held a
joint press release.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Blv. Gjergj Fishta, No. 6, Tirana, Albania. www.punetejashtme.gov.al;
Follow us on FB/Ministria e Puneve te Jashtme ;Twitter @AlbanianMFA; Instagram AlbanianMFA
The year 2014 coincides with desired expectations and our
common destination. Albania and Kosovo have gone
through a laborious path and through the Prizren meeting
they are materializing the will, the wish and the
Issue No. 5, December 1, 2014
"25 YEARS LATER, THE BERLIN WALL AND THE ALBANIANS"
CONFERENCE HELD AT THE MFA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany organized the conference: "25 years later,
the Berlin Wall and the Albanians". Special guest at this conference was the German Minister of State for European Affairs,
Michael Roth. It was attended by politicians, ministers, MPs, representatives of NGOs operating in the field of foreign relations,
scholars, diplomats, students of international relations, etc.
In his welcoming speech, Minister Bushati focused on the special importance of the fall of the Berlin Wall, not only for this country
but for the whole world, as it marked the beginning of a new order, which the world has yet to find.
"The relationship between Europe and Albania is best articulated through the collapse of the wall between the Germans and the
Albanians. Germans and Albanians are two peoples linked by the fall of the Wall. For Albanians, it was molded into a shape
which transcends the limits of climbing the physical wall of embassies or barbed wire of the borders. As with the two Germanys,
the collapse of our wall links Albania to Europe. For we Albanians perceive Europe as a time of union.” he stated.
Afterwards, the floor was given to the German Minister of State for European Affairs, Michael Roth, who underlined the
importance, especially to the youth, of commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall, which embodied not only the division of
Germany, but also the clash of two ideologies.
"2014 is a very special year, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a clear symbol of the division
of the European continent. This date, which constitutes a turning point in history, is important because only those who have
properly dealt with their past, can better understand the challenges of the future; this applies to Germany and Albania as well. Let
us not forget that the future also needs a historical memory, "Mr. Roth stated.
The conference, moderated by journalist Rudina Xhunga, continued with a panel on "The Fall of the Berlin Wall and the
Albanians: the challenges of post-communist transition in Albania and the Balkans", where other speeches were held by Mr.
Franz-Lothar Altman, Professor of Political Science, expert on the Balkans, Mr. Spartak Ngjela, lawyer, former political prisoner,
Mr. Alfred Serreqi, Foreign Minister in the early 1990s and Mr. Romeo Gurakuqi, historian and lecturer.
The fall of the Berlin Wall, an event of global proportions with special historical significance, was conveyed through speeches,
movies and pictures, which reflected the challenges following this event that would change the world forever.
The realization of this conference was made possible thanks to the help and support of German foundations Friedrich Ebert,
Hanns Seidel and Konrad Adenauer.
2
Issue No. 5, December 1, 2014
UK-ALBANIA TRADE AND INVESTMENT FORUM WAS HELD IN
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
On 4 November 2014, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with Developing Markets Association (DMA), organized the
Commerce and Investment Forum. The initiative for the organization of this project was taken by the Albanian MFA as part of its
efforts to further economic diplomacy, aiming at boosting and promoting direct foreign investments in Albania.
The Albanian delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati, whose opening remarks at the Forum
underlined the importance of such activities with a view to promoting and better understanding Albania’s potentials. The Forum
was attended by representatives of British businesses, representatives of foreign businesses present in Albania and economic
experts.
During his speech, Minister Bushati stressed that Albania, thanks to its favorable geographical position - at the crossroads of
infrastructural and energy corridors of Europe -, its fiscal policy - attractive for foreign investors – and the facilities available to
businesses operating in the key sectors of its economy, is striving to become one of the most important countries of South East
Europe for the attraction of direct foreign investment. Moreover, Minister Bushati also talked about the latest economic
developments, highlighting the reforms undertaken by the government to improve the business climate in the country and the
conditions for foreign investors.
In the framework of the conference "UK - Albania Trade &
Investment", Minister Bushati attended a meeting with the
Albanian Friendship Group in the House of Lords. The
interlocutors praised the excellent relations between the two
countries, underlining the importance of further strengthening
economic cooperation. In this context, Minister Bushati
described the conference as an important event and a great
opportunity to learn more about areas of economic cooperation
between the two countries. He presented opportunities and
facilities offered by Albania to British investors in areas such as
energy, tourism, infrastructure and trade.
Appreciating the support of the UK government to Albania in
terms of the EU candidate country status, Minister Bushati noted
the serious preparations of the Albanian party to conduct
reforms and fulfill the criteria which will allow the opening of EU
accession talks. The interlocutors agreed on the constructive
and mature role of Albania in the Balkan region, which is also
reflected in chairing regional initiatives such as the SEECP and
A5. They underlined the need to implement policies of good
neighborliness and cooperation in the Balkans.
Furthermore, in the framework of his visit to London, Minister
Bushati held a lecture at the London School of Economics.
Minister Bushati informed the participants on Albania's foreign
policy and answered questions of the participants on the latest
developments in the region, stating that: "there seems to be a
lot of good will in the region right now to consolidate the positive
momentum we have witnessed in the past year. Nevertheless,
beyond peace and stability, the EU narrative on the Western
Balkans should focus more on economic development and
connectivity, and accompany those with the relevant financial
incentives. For this new deal to be concretized you need two
elements: First the EU should view the enlargement process
as a strategically important project. European interests are
currently most threatened by developments in its
neighborhood. One priority stands out: the EU must take
care of unfinished business in the Western Balkans. Second,
in South-East Europe, stability needs to be consolidated by
improving economic governance (economic rule of law
related reforms), and also through concrete gestures,
showing mature political will to solve pending bilateral
issues.”
3
Issue No. 5, December 1, 2014
ECONOMIC CONFERENCE ON ALBANIA IN PARIS
On November 20, 2014, an economic conference on Albania
was held at the headquarters of UBIFRANCE (French
Agency for International Development of Entrepreneurship).
This Conference, organized by the Albanian Embassy in
Paris, aimed at creating a real platform of exchanges and
discussion on the Albanian market opportunities, thus
enabling the placement of contacts between entrepreneurs of
the two countries.
Albania offers good opportunities for French companies. The
Albanian government, with very strong trend and a
francophone culture, has decided to speed up the
modernization of the country. This economic conference on
Albania offered also an opportunity for entrepreneurs to hear
presentations from French economic operators on the
economic situation and investment opportunities, installation
and business delocalization in Albania as well on trade
relations from a French perspective. This conference was
also attended by three Albanian ministers, Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Energy and
Industry and Minister of Innovation and Public
Administration who offered their respective platforms for
investment to the French entrepreneurs.
ALBANIAN-AMERICAN SUCCESS STORIES: GALA
EVENING IN PRISHTINA ORGANIZED BY THE
ALBANIAN EMBASSY
The Albanian Embassy organized a gala evening entitled “Albanian American Success Stories” in one of the most
prestigious hotels of Prishtina. The event was conceived as a gathering of the most prominent figures of the Albanian
diaspora living in the United States, who have managed to achieve notable successes in different fields of life such as
culture, fashion, film industry, banking, architecture and science. Political and public figures from Kosovo and Albania as
well as the diplomatic corps were also present in this event, where the contribution and the achievement of the Albanian
people living abroad was acknowledged and paid tribute to.
4
Issue No. 5, December 1, 2014
“NATIONAL DAY” ALBANIAN
REPRESENTATIONS IN THE
WORLD CELEBRATE 102ND
ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
On the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the Independence of
Albania, the Albanian representations around the world have
marked the occasion by organizing different festive activities.
From flag rising in New York and London, cultural activities in
Ankara and Ljubljana, where the Albanian diaspora gathered in its
own Cultural centers, to festive celebrations Prishtina and Beijing,
the Albanian diaspora was the main focus, as the main protagonist
celebrating this important day for the entire nation.
In Rome, the Albanian Embassy opened the exhibition “Albania
from the sky and the deep blue sea” in one of the most prestigious
cultural centers, il Vittoriano. This photographic exhibition that
opened to the public on the occasion of the National Day of Albania
was also attended by Italian dignitaries and the diplomatic corps. In
London, the Albanian Embassy organized a classical music concert
with world-class Albanian tenors and sopranos unfolding rare talent
and performance of the Albanian artists. In Ankara, the first
Albanian Cultural Center, the first of this kind in the world, was officially opened to the public with the participation of both
Embassies of Albania and Kosovo, In Prishtina, the Albanian Embassy participated in the public fair, “Buy Albanian –
Made in Albania”, a fair dedicated to the promotion and marketing of Albanian produces.
5
Issue No. 5, December 1, 2014
MINISTER BUSHATI ATTENDS VI
CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE IN BERLIN
policy is in full compliance with that of the EU ".
Apart from attending this conference, Minister Bushati will
also
held
bilateral
meetings
with
regional
representatives and German prominent figures.
MINISTER BUSHATI HELD A
WORKING VISIT IN BRUSSELS
During the first day of his visit, Minister Bushati met with the
Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and
Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, where he
highlighted the importance of the EU enlargement policy on
the reforms’ progress, not only in Albania but also in other
countries of the region. He appreciated the fact that the
Enlargement Package 2014 sees the EU expansion as a
geostrategic and political project.
On November 5, 2014, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir
Bushati attended the VI Conference of foreign ministers of
Southeast Europe, organized by the Aspen Institute in
Berlin, under the auspices of the German and British
foreign ministers, Mr. Steinmeier and Mr. Hammond.
Focusing on the security situation in the eastern borders of
the Union, Minister Bushati noted that the stability of the
Balkans bares a special importance. According to him, the
European perspective is necessary to keep the region
oriented towards peace and cooperation.
On his part, Commissioner Hahn stated that despite the
pause in the process of new accessions, the Commission
will continue to pay attention to the Western Balkans, but the
integration process will be more demanding compared to
previous countries and emphasis will be put on the quality of
This conference was held in the wake of previous meetings reforms. Mr. Hahn praised the visit of Prime Minister Rama
in Berlin, New York and Belgrade and it reaffirms in Belgrade as a good opportunity to strengthen the dialogue
Germany’s special attention to developments in Eastern between Balkan countries and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Europe and further cooperation between regional countries
At the same time, he commended the stabilizing and
in the economic and political sphere.
dynamic engagement of Albania in the region and
The main focus of this meeting was the consolidation of the expressed confidence that the process started in Berlin will
progress of the Western Balkan countries and the
strengthening of rule of law and good governance, as
development instruments of economic stability in the
region.
Attending the meeting were members of the German
Bundestag, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State,
Mr. Hoyt Yee, EU representatives, as well as the Secretary
General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
In his speech, foreign Minister Bushati focused on the
sustainable reforms in the fight against informality in
economy as well as on infrastructure and energy projects
which illustrate the deepening of regional cooperation.
Minister Bushati stated that "recent events at the borders of
the European Union have demonstrated the importance of
EU enlargement as a means to deepen cooperation on key
issues of foreign policy and as a way to establish a longterm stability in the region. In this context, I am pleased that
the last Progress Report assesses that Albania's foreign
6
Monthly Newsletter
Issue No. 5, December 1, 2014
enable the realization of concrete projects which will bring
Balkan countries closer together.
During the joint press conference with Minister Bushati,
Commissioner Hahn expressed his desire to watch the
return match between Albania and Serbia, which will be
played next year in Shkodra.
In his first day in Brussels Minister Bushati met the
Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on
Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elmar Brok, the head of the European
Parliament Delegation to Albania, Ms. Monica Luisa
Macovei, the rapporteur on Albania, Mr. Knut Fleckenstein
and with MEP Eduard Kukan.
Minister Bushati congratulated the NATO Secretary General
on his new office and expressed full confidence, on behalf of
the Albanian government as well as his own, on Mr.
Stoltenberg’s tangible contribution to the realization of
important decisions taken at the Wales Summit.
Minister Bushati and Secretary General Stoltenberg
addressed important issues concerning threats and new
challenges to Euro-Atlantic security, both from the east and
south, while praising the cohesion and unity of ally countries
at the Wales Summit. In this context, Minister Bushati and
Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted the specific importance of further
strengthening transatlantic ties and intensifying NATO
cooperation with its partners.
They also discussed the continuation of the NATO presence
in Afghanistan after the end of this year, through the new
NATO-led mission, Resolute Support, which will continue to
support Afghan authorities in their efforts to consolidate
peace and security in the country.
Special attention was paid to the discussion of various
aspects of our region’s performance towards Euro-Atlantic
integration, particularly, the NATO “open-doors” policy and
the intensification of regional cooperation, with a view to
facing common security challenges. By commending the
role and presence of KFOR in Kosovo, Minister Bushati
reiterated Albania’s stand on the need for NATO to have
institutional relations with Kosovo.
MINISTER BUSHATI MEETS WITH
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL JENS
STOLTENBERG
Moreover, Minister Bushati invited the new Secretary
General to visit Albania at an appropriate time for him, in
accordance with his working agenda.
During his stay in Brussels, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir
Don’t forget to follow us on FB/Ministria e Puneve te
Bushati held a working meeting with the new NATO
Jashtme; Twitter @AlbanianMFA; Instagram
Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.
AlbanianMFA
7