Albania begins a two-year term in the UN Security Council. Her focus will be on consolidating peace and security in the Western Balkans and the process of recognizing Kosovo.

From January 2022 until the end of 2023, Albania together with Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Gabon and Ghana are non-permanent members of the most powerful UN body, the Security Council.

"For the first time, 66 years after joining the UN, Albania sits at the highest table for peace, security and stability, a responsibility but also a great opportunity for the country to leave its mark in the international arena", said on the occasion of this mandate, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xha?ka.

Albania has the right to one vote in the decisions to be taken by the Security Council. The team of Albanian diplomats in New York will have the right to participate in the meetings of the UN Security Council and to present Albania's positions on the hottest security issues in the world, which endanger peace and stability, said Xha?ka.

Consolidating stability in the Western Balkans

Albania aims during its 2-year mandate to work for stability and peace in the region, to consolidate the achievements of the last decade and not let it slide towards destabilization and tensions.

Progress in the process of recognizing Kosovo and its membership in international organizations will be another priority of Albania's mandate as a temporary member of the UN Security Council.

"Kosovo has been, is and will be a sacred cause for Albania," said Minister Xhaçka.

The UN Security Council consists of 15 members, of which the US, UK, France, Russia and China are the five permanent members with veto power, while the other 10 countries are temporary members with two-year terms.

(Source: DW)