Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomes Albanian progress on the path to NATO

On 21 February the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Riekstins, was on a working visit in Albania.

During a meeting with the President of Albania, Bamir Topi, the Minister expressed support for Albania's Euro-Atlantic integration endeavours. The Albanian side for its part welcomed Latvia's position in recognising the independence of Kosovo.

Chairperson of the Albanian Parliament, Jozefina Topalli, expressed a wish to activate inter-parliamentary dialogue and exchange of experience. Her visit to Latvia, anticipated for March, was also discussed during the meeting. The Albanian side noted with appreciation that Latvia was the first EU member state to ratify the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Albania.

During a meeting with the Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha, both parties emphasised the need to step up political and economic dialogue. The Prime Minister pointed out investment opportunities and potential in Albania.

During talks with the Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lulzim Basha, the main attention was paid to the Bucharest NATO summit planned for April. "Latvia supports the open door policy. We believe that the integration of Croatia, Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia into NATO will promote stability and safety in the Western Balkans," emphasised Minister Riekstins. At the same time, the Minister pointed out that it is important to continue reforms already begun, particularly in the eradication of corruption and the fight against organised crime. During the visit, Latvia and Albania signed the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Albania.

This is the first high level Latvian visit to the Republic of Albania. The visit is of particular importance in view of the NATO Bucharest summit to be held in April, during which a decision will be taken regarding the joining of the NATO by Croatia, Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. On 22 February the Minister will visit the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia prior to the NATO meeting of Heads of States and Governments in Bucharest.

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