Official Austria supports the opening of negotiations between Albania and the EU as soon as possible

Christian Steiner and Mimi Kodheli at the latter's office in Tirana, November 3, 2021

 The Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy, Mimi Kodheli, received yesterday the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria, Christian Steiner, to the Parliament.

During the meeting, the Austrian Ambassador, after congratulating Kodhel on her reappointment as Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee and Vice President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, praised the very good relations that exist in all aspects between Austria and Albania.

"These relations are evidenced by the high level of political contacts, as well as by close cooperation in various fields," Steiner said.

Ambassador Steiner mentioned the contribution of Austria in a number of directions and projects, such as that of justice reform (including the Vetting process), data protection, water management, health, education, etc.

Ambassador Steiner also stressed the full support of Austria in terms of Albania's EU integration processes and especially the opening of negotiations as soon as possible.

Kodheli thanked Ambassador Steiner for the support that Austria has given and continues to give to Albania on its path to democratization and European integration.

She further made a presentation of the situation in the Western Balkan countries, emphasizing the importance of its integration into the EU as soon as possible.

The Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee stressed that the intensification of these processes is of vital importance not only for the countries of the region but also for the peace and security of the entire European Union space.

During the meeting, the interlocutors also spoke on issues of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.