TIRANA, April 11 – Developments in the Western Balkans region were at the center of the meeting of the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia and at the same time the special envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, with President Bajram Begaj on Tuesday.
After evaluating the excellent relations and strategic partnership between Albania and the US, President Begaj underlined the irreplaceable role of the United States of America in guaranteeing peace and security in the Western Balkans region.
In particular, President Begaj appreciated the support that the United States and Escobar personally have given to the negotiation process between Kosovo and Serbia mediated by the European Union. “The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, centered on their mutual recognition, is a process with great regional impact, both in terms of security and its sustainable development,” underlined President Begaj.
Focusing on the challenges and threats that the Western Balkans region is facing after the Russian military aggression against Ukraine Begaj also underlined that “thanks to the new geopolitical approach even from the European Union today we have increased attention towards this region”.
The issue of cyber security and hybrid threats received special attention during the meeting. President Begaj expressed his gratitude for the support and assistance of specialized American agencies, considering them of vital and decisive importance for the increase of Albania’s cyber capabilities. The senior US diplomat also held a meeting with PM Edi Rama. /Argumentum.al
