France and Albania will operate with joint investigative groups in the fight against terrorism, corruption and organized crime. The Minister of Interior, Saimir Tahiri, received Bruno Le Roux, his French counterpart, on Tuesday. After their meeting, both Ministers gave a joint press conference, emphasizing that increased cooperation is necessary.

Minister Tahiri denounced the Albanian court decisions for Albanian citizens who have violated the law in France. On this point, the Minister reiterated the need for the Judicial Reform.

“I informed my colleague about our fight against drugs and we discussed joint investigations for organized crime. I also informed my colleague about the necessity of the Judicial Reform. Putting the Judicial Reform on top of the agenda is a necessity. Vetting is of maximum priority and the best way to build a fairer Albania.”

“We should have solid results through cooperation. A closer cooperation is needed. Cases when Albanian courts have liberated people who committed crimes in France have not damaged our cooperation, but they highlight the necessity of the Judicial Reform. There are spaces to cooperate more. Liberating Albania of corrupt judges is a necessity,” declared the Minister of Interior.

The French Minister of Interior commented on illegal migration, declaring that though Albanian citizens are welcomed in France, they should respect the laws of the French state.

“France is a country that welcomes people, but it expects them to respect the laws. We welcome students, Albanian artists, who want to visit our country, however we plan to intensify the policies against illegal migration,” declared the French Minister, adding that his visit is in framework of cooperation between the two countries.

The French Minister of Interior also visited the Tirana Police directory.