It is the first visit by a leader of a Balkan country in more than 20 years.
“We are candidate countries for membership in the European Union, two countries united by the same values and the conviction that our future is in Europe, in a future of peace, sovereignty, security and well-being,” Maya Sandu emphasized. – However, we live in an increasingly complex geopolitical context, full of uncertainties and risks that affect us all. For small states like ours, membership in the European Union is not just a development project, but also a form of protection. That is why today we have reaffirmed our firm commitment to the European path. EU enlargement is a strategic investment in the security and stability of the entire continent. Both Moldova and Albania will bring to the EU sustainable societies, citizens committed to European values, with experience of complex but necessary transformations”.
The Moldovan president praised Albania’s progress in the EU accession process and the country’s willingness to share the accumulated experience: “For Moldova, this experience is extremely useful. We intend to move quickly and want to learn from each other in such areas as the rule of law, quality governance, digitalization and modernization of public administration. Each country advances on the basis of its own merits and reforms, but the solidarity between the candidate countries makes us stronger”.
The two presidents discussed deepening bilateral relations with a focus on agriculture, education, culture, tourism and trade.
“We intend to turn our political dialog into concrete projects. There is potential for cooperation in agriculture, education, culture and tourism. There are also opportunities to increase trade exchanges. We want to strengthen ties between private companies, institutions and citizens,” said the Moldovan President.
For his part, Albanian President Bairam Begay emphasized the interest in strengthening bilateral relations through diplomatic consultations, high-level visits, inter-parliamentary cooperation and economic and cultural exchanges.
“We already have a free trade agreement between our countries and we value this agreement. Going forward, we will give priority to promoting investment, expanding cooperation in areas such as rail and road transportation, and other areas including social cooperation. Tourism remains an area where we could achieve closer and more coordinated cooperation through institutional interaction and mutual promotion of tourism products,” emphasized the Albanian President.
Bajram Begay invited Maya Sandu to pay an official visit to the Republic of Albania.
