Albania (10) -- Analyses -- 2010

More about the visit of Berisha in Belgium

30.07.2010

The two prime ministers re-confirmed the determination of the two governments to promote the bilateral cooperation in all the fields and especially the economic-trade exchanges and increase of the Belgian investments in Albania as the Belgian business is showing a growing interest in entering the Albanian market.
Further on, during the meeting the interlocutors discussed on the EU Belgian rotating presidency priorities as well as the major project of Albania integration. PM Leterme reconfirmed to PM Berisha the strong and full support of the Belgian presidency to proceed with the further steps toward Albania full EU integration.
Expressing positive assessment of the significant progress and extraordinary achievements of the government of Albania during this period, PM Leterme welcomed the decision of the Commission to suggest visa liberalization and said he believed the Albanians dream of visa-free travel over Schengen space come true under Belgian Presidency within 2010 while Albania meets all roadmap criteria.
In regard to Albania application for membership and the candidate country status, PM Leterme positively assessed the significant progress owing to the reforms the government of Albania has undertaken during this period and assured PM Berisha that the Belgian Presidency will strongly stimulate Albania on its fast forward movement. “Albania’s future is in the EU and Belgium will support you in all your steps toward the EU,” concluded PM Leterme. PM Berisha made an expose of the reforms implemented and the achievements during this period and emphasized that the government of Albania adheres to the approach on a performance-based process like the best platform for the further development of the country in achieving the European standards.
Further on, the two prime ministers focused on special fields of cooperation like energy, tourism and the great interest of the Belgian businessmen to invest in Albania.
Speaking about the situation following the global economic and financial crisis, PM Leterme appreciated Albania like one of the rare European countries not affected by the crisis and therefore, congratulated PM Berisha. On his part, PM Berisha pointed to government of Albania major reforms thanks to which Albania withstood crisis. And he mentioned Albania having the lowest fiscal burden in Europe, the 10% flat tax, investments in infrastructure up to 10% of the GDP, the favorable business climate through facilitation of procedures, their modernization and digitalization, the establishment of the one stop shop procedures as well as reforms for a downsized government.
Further on, the two prime ministers discussed on the regional developments and especially Kosova in the wake of the International Court of Justice ruling about its independence. The interlocutors re-affirmed their full support for the statement of Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The two prime ministers also discussed the recent developments in the region. PM Leterme took the opportunity of expressing to PM Berisha Belgium’s full support for Albania in taking over the rotating presidency of the OSCE.

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