The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini started Thursday her two-day visit to Albania.

EU High Representative Mogherini started her agenda by meeting with Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta in his office.

Speaker Meta mentioned what was discussed in the meeting just before Mogherini delivered a speech in the Albanian Parliament.

“Mrs. Mogherini has always been a strong advocate of the EU integration of Albania and the region. On behalf of the parliament, allow me to express our sincere gratitude for the continuous support that Albania enjoys from all EU structures and assure Mrs. Mogherini that our country will know how to respond to the trust of all EU member countries so that it will deserve the opening of negotiations and its membership in the right moment. During the meeting with Mrs. Mogherini, we expressed the will to reflect the opinion of the Venice Commission without delays, through a consensual process, so that the Albanian citizens have confidence in the judiciary, which is the key reform to deepen the fight against corruption and organized crime, to strengthen the rule of law and to create a better business climate, in order to improve our economy. I am sure that I express the common gratitude of all political forces in this parliament and the guests who are present for what the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has done for Albania,” Speaker Meta said.

Then Speaker Meta invited the EU High Representative to address the Albanian Parliament.

In her remarks, Mogherini expressed her conviction that Albania must become part of the EU, saying that this is in the interest of both Albania and the EU, and it is the responsibility of this generation to make it possible that all the countries of Western Balkans become part of the EU.

The High Representative underlined that Albania’s journey is in the hands of Albanian politicians and citizens.

Mogherini gave assurances that Albania is not alone in its journey towards the EU.

Mentioning the communist past of Albania, Mogherini said that before 25 years, Albania was one of the most isolated country in the world and one of the poorest as well, but she then went on to add that things have changed, and Albania is a NATO member and an EU candidate country.

Talking about the judicial reform, Mogherini said that the Venice Commission will give its final opinion for all the contributions and proposals it has received and advised the politicians to do the right thing and approve the reform, because that’s what citizens of Albania expect from them.

Mogherini also mentioned that politics suffers from a great lack of faith and dialogue between the parties, and this must be changed and political adversaries must be accepted as legitimate actors, not as enemies which must be destroyed, and this is essential for every democracy.

Mogherini reminded Albanian politicians that the interests of Albania are more important than the interests of individual political parties and the interests of the people and citizens are paramount.