The deputy chief of Polish diplomacy started his visit with a ceremony to launch a direct LOT Polish Airlines connection between Warsaw and Tirana, offered as part of the Polish carrier’s scheduled flights. The accompanying press conference was also attended by LOT Vice President Michał Fijoł and Chief Executive Director of Tirana Airport Constantin von Alvensleben. The highlight of the event was a concert of Fryderyk Chopin’s music conducted by the well-known Albanian artist Zhani Ciko.

During the meeting with Albanian Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Megi Fino, Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk discussed the bilateral relationship, Poland’s help in the fight against COVID-19, and its OSCE chairmanship next year. The officials furthermore exchanged views on the current migration challenges and prospects for reinvigorating cooperation in the context of the stalled EU enlargement policy. The Polish deputy minister reiterated Poland’s willingness to continue its support for European integration of Albania and all Western Balkan countries, and briefed his counterpart about the Polish proposals submitted to the European External Action Service on how to strengthen EU-Western Balkans relations in practice. 

Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk also met with Albert Hani, Secretary General of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), which has its seat in Tirana. Their talks covered the situation of young people in the Western Balkans, Poland’s support for RYCO, and prospects for further cooperation. While in Albania, the deputy minister also laid a wreath at a plaque to the late President Lech Kaczyński and paid a visit to St. John Paul II parish in Bathore.

 From Tirana Secretary of State Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk travelled to Belgrade, where he took part in a ceremony to donate over 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the Serbian side. The donation is part of comprehensive assistance to the Western Balkans provided by Poland since the pandemic’s outbreak.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: MFA