The meeting with Ambassador Zef Mazi, Minister of State at the Office of Albania’s Prime Minister, focused on Albania’s European integration process. Deputy Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk welcomed the fact that the European Commission confirmed that Albania is ready to organise the first intergovernmental conference, having met all conditions set by the European Council in March 2020. He also expressed his hope that the European Council will decide to adopt the negotiating frameworks for Albania and North Macedonia as soon as possible, and will convene intergovernmental conferences with both these countries. The deputy minister also highlighted Poland’s long-standing commitment to Albania’s integration with the EU, which is not limited to political actions. As part of the Tirana conference – a bilateral forum for exchanging experiences and expert knowledge on European integration in various areas, such as foreign policy, environmental protection, the judiciary, border protection or regional policy – Poland shares with Albania its experience of the systemic transformation process and accession negotiations with the EU. Secretary of State Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk expressed his hope that after a pause caused by the pandemic, it will be possible to organise another edition of the conference this year.

The deputy chief of Polish diplomacy congratulated Albania on its election to the UN Security Council for 2022-2023 by decision of the UN General Assembly a few days ago. Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk also expressed his readiness to share experiences of Poland’s membership of the Security Council in 2018-2019.

MFA Press Office

Photo: Łucja Sucharska /MFA