Albania will take the presidency of the Central European Initiative starting from January 1, 2024. Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Mr. Besart Kadia participated in the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the CEI Central European Initiative in Chisinau on November 22, 2023, organized by the Moldovan Presidency. Ministers of CEI member countries as well as representatives of the European Commission, WHO and EBRD participated in the Ministerial. 

Discussions focused on further perspectives and progress in accelerating the EU integration process amid Russian aggression against Ukraine and the role of the CEI in this regard. Deputy Minister Kadia emphasized in his speech that the European integration process is the only sustainable solution for maintaining peace, security and economic prosperity in the region. 

Albania continues to condemn Russian aggression against Ukraine and has been a strong supporter of any proposal for humanitarian aid to Ukraine within the CEI. Regarding the current war between Israel and Hamas, while we stand firmly with Israel against Hamas, we are also very concerned about the civilian suffering and destruction in Gaza. Albania approves the two-state solution, a secure state of Israel and the right of the Palestinians to have their own state. 

Furthermore, he emphasized that this year Albania successfully organized the Berlin Process Summit, which brought tangible and fruitful results. 

Kadia said that the participants reconfirmed that the Berlin process is a primary regional mechanism that serves to accelerate the path of European integration. 

During the handover ceremony from Moldova to the position of the next Albanian presidency of the CEI, Mr. Kadia emphasized that the focus of the Albanian presidency, starting from January 1 to December 31, 2024, will be strengthening stability, security and competitiveness in the CEI region, and promoting the European Integration Process. 

The European integration process represents an anchor for the democratization of Albania, the consolidation of institutions and especially the strengthening of the rule of law in the country. Important topics will also be tourism, economic growth, health and the promotion of connections, as well as the youth agenda.