The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, stated that Albania is committed to further strengthen the cooperation with the OSCE.  

Xhaçka focused on the excellent political relations between Albania and Sweden, that have created opportunities in important international forums like OSCE or the United Nations Security Council

The Foreign Minister said that in the EU there is an uncertainty regarding the further steps of the Western Balkans in the integration process. 

"I had the special pleasure to welcome, today in Tirana, the current Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, at the same time the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Mrs. Ann Linde. This visit, on the one hand, reflects the excellent political relations between our countries, but above all, I hope that this visit will open a new chapter in the relations and exchanges between us, both in the bilateral and multilateral dimension, because we have today some concrete opportunities to cooperate closely in important international forums such as the OSCE or the United Nations Security Council. 

This visit, which in fact comes as part of Minister Linde's regional tour, is an important indicator of the attention that Sweden and the Swedish OSCE Presidency are showing to our region. This attention is really welcome because as we all know, our region is in a moment that requires a lot of attention and a lot of multilateral commitment. 

We are at a time when the region itself, despite the difficulties and delicate moments such as that of tensions in northern Kosovo, has taken very big steps forward on the path of stabilization, development and cooperation. But where as we all know there is an uncertainty, coming from the EU, regarding the further steps of the region in the European integration process. And this uncertainty, of course, in addition to the damage it does to the EU's reputation, also damages the paradigm on which stability and cooperation in the Western Balkans are built. 

Therefore, the active commitment of the Swedish Presidency and the attention shown to the region, is a message that has certainly been properly read as a message of commitment and support. 

I assured my colleague of Albania's readiness to cooperate, not only in the region, where our country for decades now plays an important role as a pillar of stability and exporter of security, but also further, sharing with the Swedish Presidency our experience at the helm of OSCE, which was a successful experience at a really challenging time with complex problems. 

Our region, Albania itself, is the most indisputable proof of the positive transformation that multilateral engagement can bring even in areas with seemingly unresolved conflicts. It is a historical experience that has shaped our country's commitment to international organizations and multilateralism. 

But, Albania also has a very special experience with the OSCE, as this organization has played a crucial role in democratic developments in Albania but also in improving the security situation in the region, etc. 
This experience has been really valuable during the chairmanship of the OSCE by our country and we are definitely ready to share it with the Swedish team, as our countries share many of the same attitudes and priorities that can only be moved forward thanks to cooperation. 

We all know that for small countries like Albania, but also for countries with opportunities and weight many times more significant than us, such as Sweden, it is often difficult to advance ambitious agendas. Especially when it comes to agendas that go beyond the framework of direct economic or geopolitical interests. But, I am happy that we share the same belief that when countries like ours know how to join forces, create synergies and keep important discussions alive in major international forums, the chances of success become much greater. 

This is why beyond the OSCE, I am very pleased to find my colleague willing to cooperate in advancing some of Albania's important priorities in the Security Council, where fortunately, our countries have not only convictions but also common interests. I am talking here about the agenda of Women, Peace and Security, human rights, the fight against violent extremism, where I am convinced that we can have a close cooperation and create interesting synergies. 

Dear Colleagues, I would like to cordially thank you for your presence here and wish you success in the remaining months of the OSCE chairmanship, while reconfirming the full will of the Albanian government for cooperation, inclusion and contribution to multilateralism," Xhaçka said.