Albanian member of the Croatian parliament Ermina Lekaj says cooperation with Albania is increasing

Ermina Lekaj poster

 Albanian residents in Croatia are fortunate to have their voice in parliament as well. MP Ermina Lekaj is their chosen one in the temple of democracy of Croatia, while representing other communities.

"The Croatian parliament is very important for Albanians to have their voice. It is very difficult in fact to run and get in there, as there are 5 communities that have the opportunity to elect only 1 MP. It is a great victory for all of us Albanians. Before I came, the community choice was a Bosniak," she said.

When it comes to the interest of Albanians, Lekaj is not limited to the Croatian parliament. She often visits Tirana, where there are discussions with local officials on issues of interest, one of which is the Blue Corridor, one of the first projects promoted through the Berlin Process in the Western Balkans.

"Yesterday we came from Croatia by car, and it took us 12 hours to travel. With the Blue Corridor this road will be significantly shortened, because we have të deal with only 750 km of roads. And it does not only serve Croatia, but also Montenegro and Albania."

One of the areas where Lekaj thinks that Albania can get more from Croatia is that of tourism.

"Croatia has a tradition in terms of tourism. It would be good to exchange experiences between Croatia and Albania. Our country, Albania, can learn a lot from Croatia. When I go to Croatia, I will immediately have a meeting with the director of the tourism office, to have an exchange of experiences between the parties."

As an increase in bilateral relations, but also economic, the Albanian MP sees the investments made by Albanian companies in Croatia and vice versa.

Map of Blue Corridor

"Recently there are some people who have invested in Croatia, but also vice versa. What is most important is to increase the number of young Albanians working in Croatia."

Mrs. Lekaj sees the cooperation between the parties more and more closely, and for this she gives her work as a guarantee. Work which has significantly affected bilateral relations and increased Croatian commitment to Albania..