VIDEO // President: Moldova and Albania - two European states following same path

The Republic of Moldova and Albania are two European states following the same path. We are candidate countries for accession to the European Union. Two countries united by the same values and by the conviction that our future lies in Europe – a future of peace, security and prosperity. This message was conveyed today by head of state Maia Sandu during a joint press conference with President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj in Chișinău.

The official stated that the enlargement of the European Union is a strategic investment in the security and stability of the entire continent.

“Today’s visit has a special significance for relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Albania. This is the first presidential-level visit in more than twenty years and marks our common desire to give a new impetus to political dialogue and bilateral cooperation. We are, however, living in an increasingly complicated geopolitical context, marked by uncertainty and risks that affect us all. For small states like ours, membership in the European Union is not only a development project, but also a form of protection. That is why today we have jointly reconfirmed our firm commitment to the European path,” Maia Sandu underlined.

The head of state pointed out that both Moldova and Albania will bring to the EU resilient societies, citizens attached to European values and who have the experience of difficult but necessary transformations.

“We appreciate Albania’s progress in the accession process and its openness to sharing with us the experience gained along this path. For Moldova, this experience is very useful. We are determined to move forward quickly and we want to learn from each other – in areas such as the rule of law, good governance, digitalisation and the modernisation of public administration. Each country advances on the basis of its own merits and reforms, but solidarity among candidate states makes us stronger,” Maia Sandu said.

Another topic discussed by the two heads of state was the war in Ukraine and regional security.

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine affects us all and shows us how interconnected the security of the countries of South-Eastern Europe is. In such times, no state can face these threats alone. Only through unity, strong institutions and respect for international law can we ensure lasting peace. The Republic of Moldova values Albania’s role as a factor of regional stability, its contribution within NATO, its commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and its support for Ukraine. We share the same vision of a united, strong and secure Europe,” Maia Sandu noted.

The two officials also discussed the development of bilateral relations in areas such as agriculture, education, culture and tourism.

“We aim to translate our political dialogue into concrete projects. There is potential for cooperation in agriculture, education, culture and tourism. There is also room to increase trade. We want closer ties between private companies, between institutions and between citizens. I thank you for this important visit, for the open dialogue and for the friendship between our countries. Moldova and Albania are moving along this European path together – with solidarity and confidence,” Maia Sandu concluded.

President of Albania Bajram Begaj is paying an official visit to the Republic of Moldova on 18–20 January at the invitation of head of state Maia Sandu. This is the first visit by an Albanian head of state in more than twenty years and comes in the context of the intensification of bilateral relations, with both countries being candidates for accession to the European Union.