Albanian Parliament Speaker: West Balkans Have Common Strategic Interests

Albania sees its relations with neighbouring Macedonia as strategic and is ready to support its sovereignty, according to Ilir Meta, Speaker of the Parliament of Albania.

Meta, who is on a visit to Skopje, announced that Albania was also willing to strenghten its collaboration with all West Balkan countries, adding that the main focus would be on European integration and overall improvement.

''All political powers in Tirana and Skopie are responsible for and should aim at developing the bilateral relations, aligned with our common goals,'' said Meta, as quoted by MIA agency and the BGNES news agency.

He also expressed his gratitude for the active and constructive participation of Macedonia in all regional initiatives.

''Albania is fully aware of its strategic importance in the region, having in mind the fact that there are Albanians in five countries across the Balkans. Our regional policy is directly linked to our approach for improving the growth and well-being of all our citizens,'' added Meta.

He also claimed that his country steered clear of nationalist alternatives.

''I am convinced that we are facing an important historical moment, because all differences can be set aside and we are able to focus on joined projects for energy, industry, our amazing environment, agro production, education, transportation, tourism and health care,'' he noted.

Talking about the common eurointegration goals of the two countries, Ilir Meta specifically focused on the construction of the railway between Albania and Macedonia.

 He cited the swift implementation of the railway project as a strategic urgency in the development of the long-term collaboration between the two countries.