Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, is on an official visit to Budapest, where he was received by Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orban.
The meeting focused on Albania’s path to EU membership. Hoxha welcomed Hungary’s continued support for Albania’s integration and highlighted its role as an important voice within the European Union on Western Balkan issues, including through the Friends of the Western Balkans group.
Hoxha said Albania had entered the most decisive phase of its EU accession negotiations and aimed to complete the technical phase of the talks by the end of 2027.
“There is particular value in discussing enlargement with countries that have been through the process themselves. They know what it takes and what it delivers. Albania has now entered the most decisive phase of its EU accession negotiations. Our ambition, as reflected in the Commission’s roadmap, is clear. We want to do the work, advance reforms and complete the technical phase of the negotiations by the end of 2027. As we move through this demanding phase, we are pleased to be able to count on Hungary’s continued support,” Hoxha said.
The ministers also discussed strengthening economic cooperation. Hoxha said the two countries aimed to expand trade and investment, strengthen energy ties, boost tourism and deepen cooperation in education and culture.
“We agreed that the next challenge is to build stronger economic and people-to-people ties by expanding trade and investment, strengthening energy links, boosting tourism and deepening cooperation in education and culture. Hungarian businesses already have a significant presence in Albania, and there is considerable scope to do more,” the minister said.
He added that both countries now had a responsibility to create more concrete opportunities for their citizens and businesses.
Hoxha and Orban also exchanged views on regional and European security. Their discussions covered energy security and the importance of NATO unity as Europe faces major geopolitical challenges.
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