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" Albania is determined and wants to be a vector of stability and collaboration in the Balkans. It is in the interest of the region and more broadly of Europe, "said Albanian President Ilir Meta, who is attending the Paris Peace Forum. Interview.
RFI : What are Albania's expectations on the occasion of this Paris Peace Forum ?
Ilir Meta : Albania is determined and wants to be a vector of stability and collaboration in the Balkans. It is in the interest of the region and more generally of Europe. We have confidence in our European partners, especially in France and Germany. In order to have a secure and developed Europe, the Balkans must at the same time be stable and peaceful. History has always shown us that. We all know that it was the Balkans that started the First World War.
Participating in the Paris Peace Forum is a pleasure but also an obligation. This is an important moment of reflection to accelerate cooperation at the international level. This Forum comes at a crucial moment because of the current topicality of the world, Europe and, of course, the Balkans.
In October, France declared itself " unfavorable " to the opening of the accession negotiations of Albania and Northern Macedonia to the European Union. What remains to be done on the Albanian side ?
France and Germany have been the main pillars of the EU since its creation. These two countries have taken on enormous responsibilities and are now laying the groundwork for Europe's future in the face of many challenges.
This is not the first time France has asked the EU Member States to be stronger, more efficient and more consistent in pursuing reforms. France calls for the EU enlargement process to be better controlled and monitored before welcoming new members. At the same time, it urges aspirant countries like Albania to deepen reforms in order to be more credible, especially in the areas of immigration, justice, combating trafficking, organized crime, and so on.
You know, geographically, Albania and the Balkans are at the center of Europe. Politically, we must therefore be part of the EU. Even if, in October, France declared itself "unfavorable" to the opening of the accession negotiations of Albania and North Macedonia to the European Union, we know that Paris encourages us and supports us in the pursuit of our efforts to integrate the Union. Efforts based on democracy, development, stability and cooperation.
Emmanuel Macron said recently that NATO is in a state of " brain death ". As the head of a NATO member state, what do you think of this statement ?
NATO is the most serious organization, the most credible. It works hard to defend and promote the fundamental values: freedom and peace in Europe and in the world. The Atlantic Alliance faces major challenges to regain its place in a difficult global context. Everyone must contribute more intelligently to make NATO more effective in its mission.
In 2020, Albania will take the rotating presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE. What will Tirana's priorities be in the current geostrategic context ?
The Paris Peace Forum will serve as an example and will form the basis of our work as part of our rotating OSCE Chairmanship.
This Presidency will also be another excellent opportunity to show our role and our determination to ensure stability in the Balkans and wherever the OSCE intervenes, particularly in conflict zones. Cooperation between OSCE member states will be key to the effectiveness of our presidency.