Rama’s response comes following media reports and interpretations of a statement made by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which the Prime Minister described as distorted. He clarified that Albania’s official position remains unchanged and that the agreement with Italy will continue to remain in force and is not under discussion for unilateral termination.
“To all journalists from Italy and beyond who are contacting us regarding an inaccurate quote reported by a media outlet after an interview with Albania’s Foreign Minister, let me clearly restate — and hopefully once and for all — that our protocol with Italy will remain in force for as long as Italy wants it,” Rama stated, emphasizing that cooperation between the two countries continues normally and in full respect of the signed agreement.
Meanwhile, Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, also reacted by clarifying that his statement in Brussels had been misinterpreted. He emphasized that he was not referring to a change in position, but rather responding hypothetically to a journalist’s question regarding the future of the protocol after the end of its initial five-year term.
According to Hoxha, his comment was related to a reflection in the context of the possibility that Albania could become a member state of the European Union in the future, which would change the institutional circumstances surrounding such agreements.
He also added that statements taken out of context often create misunderstandings and inaccurate narratives that do not reflect the government’s actual position.
“A journalist in Brussels asked me whether the protocol between Albania and Italy would be renewed after the end of the initial five-year period.
I responded by saying: ‘I am not sure, considering that by then Albania may be a member state of the European Union, and consequently, the situation would be different.’
It was as simple as that. This was not about a decision, but merely a spontaneous reflection expressed sincerely.
This statement should in no way be interpreted as a change in Albania’s position regarding the protocol.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, noise often spreads faster than argument, logic, and context.
Expressions taken out of context are very often turned into narratives that reflect neither the essence of the discussion nor the real position of governments,” Hoxha wrote.
