Poland supports Albania’s EU path, Albania asks Poland to support Kosovo in NATO

Poland supports Albania’s path to EU membership, according to President Andrzej Duda who was in Tirana on Thursday to meet with his Albanian counterpart Bajram Begaj, who asked Duda to support Kosovo’s NATO membership.

Following the meeting with Begaj, Duda spoke at a press conference, stating his country’s priorities for when it will be at the helm of the EU presidency for the first half of 2025.

“Once again, I clearly and distinctly declared Polish support for Albania’s efforts to join the European Union,” said Duda, adding that when his country is at the helm of the EU, “we will have a second priority, EU membership for Ukraine and the countries of the Western Balkans, among them Albania.”

He also asked Albania to support efforts to strengthen the presence of NATO on its eastern flank, adding “This is the most dangerous region of the world where potential aggression is possible, especially with regard to what is happening in Ukraine and Russia’s attitude.”

Duda thanked Albania for its support of Ukraine and the country’s clear policy towards Russian aggression.

It is a “senseless aggression that affects all international principles and must now end, with the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. The territory of Ukraine should be returned in full. This should be the end of this war,” he said.

Begaj expressed his gratitude for friendly political relations between the two countries and requested support from Poland in the “eventuality of Kosovo’s accession to NATO”. He suggested that the July NATO summit in Vilnius would be a good opportunity to support Kosovo’s aspirations.

“With the last official visit of a Polish President to our country 20 years ago, it’s an honour to host them and strengthen the bond between our nations,” Begaj said.

He also thanked Poland for its support on Albania’s EU path and added his country unequivocally stands in defence of Ukraine and its independence.

(Alice Taylor | Exit.al)