TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in the Ministerial Meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI), held in Bucharest, Romania.
Amid profound shifts in Europe’s security and geopolitical landscape, regional cooperation is more important than ever, according to the Foreign Minister.
“The CEI remains a valuable platform for strengthening dialogue, connectivity and cooperation across our region, while also advancing the European aspirations of its member countries,” Hoxha said.
The Minister stressed that “regional cooperation and European integration must go hand in hand.”
“Our region cannot become fully European if we remain distant from one another, just as Europe cannot be fully united and strong as long as our region remains outside it. This is precisely why regional cooperation and European integration must go hand in hand.
“When we remove trade barriers, connect our energy systems and transport corridors, recognise professional qualifications, strengthen digital connectivity and cooperate more closely on security, we are not building an alternative to the European Union. We are preparing our region to function as part of it,” Hoxha said.
More interconnected economies, Hoxha added, make for a stronger region.
“Closer societies build greater trust. Greater trust strengthens security. And stronger people-to-people ties turn proximity into partnership.
“Ultimately, a more interconnected, cooperative and resilient Western Balkans means a stronger Europe. This is the Europe we need: more connected, more secure, more resilient and, ultimately, united as a whole,” Hoxha said.
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