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On 4 May, during his working visit to Tirana, Albania, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Olta Xhaçka and expressed Lithuania’s strong support for Albania’s Euro-integration aspirations, stressing that the EU must keep its promises to the countries that had fulfilled all the conditions, and start accession talks as soon as possible.

“As the European security situation has changed dramatically with Russia using brutal force to deny Ukraine its Euro-Atlantic path, the aspirations of Albania and other countries in the Western Balkans region remind us that the EU remains a huge center of attraction and well-being. An open-door policy is not just a phrase. The EU must ensure that ready and determined candidate countries can join it unhindered," Landsbergis said.

Landsbergis thanked Albania for its consistent support to Ukraine, the condemnation of Russia's aggression and for joining all the EU sanctions against Russia.

The Lithuanian and Albanian Foreign Ministers agreed on the need to continue the effort to support Ukraine, which is fighting not only for its own survival, but also for the values and a safer future of the entire democratic world.

“I believe that granting the EU candidate status to Ukraine would provide a fresh impetus and visibility for the entire EU enlargement process,” said Lithuania's Foreign Minister.

During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers discussed the upcoming NATO summit in Madrid and the need to strengthen the Alliance’s defence on the eastern flank. The Foreign Ministers also discussed the global food crisis caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and ways to address it.

Landsbergis was glad that the visit to Albania took place at the time, when Lithuania and Albania marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. “Despite the geographical distance between our countries, we have always felt the closeness of our countries’ approach and solidarity based on shared values. We have great opportunities to develop it further,” Landsbergis said.

During his visit to Albania, Landsbergis also met with the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Lindita Nikolla.

Albania became the 27th member of NATO in 2009. It has been an EU candidate since 2014. It's accession talks have not yet started.

Lithuania and Albania established their diplomatic relations on 27 April 1992. 

Photos: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania.