TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric.
Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested to open a Consulate General in Shkodër. He added that both governments will take further steps only after they agree on every aspect of the process.
The minister said reciprocity remains a fundamental principle of diplomatic relations. However, he stressed that reciprocity does not require identical objectives or identical interests. Instead, it provides the basis for mutual understanding between states.
Hoxha said Albania’s priority is to establish a permanent consular presence in the Presheva Valley, where a significant Albanian community lives. He added that the mission would improve consular services, strengthen ties with Albania and better protect the community’s legitimate interests.
Meanwhile, the minister expressed concern that public debate has shifted away from Albania’s national interest. He said discussions should focus on the benefits of a permanent Albanian consular presence rather than speculation about Serbia’s interests.
Finally, Hoxha said Albania bases its foreign policy on national interests, international law and European values. He added that the country will maintain the same approach as it works toward European Union membership.
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