The year 2023 was overloaded with news and events – some of them shocking – political, diplomatic and military, inherited and newly created all over the world.
The most important are the continuation of Russian aggression in Ukraine, the EU’s efforts to expand towards the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova, tensions, developments and challenges in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue and our country’s attitudes towards them, the war in Ukraine, the geopolitical challenges of the West, the expansion of BRICS as a counterweight to the West, the escalation of the situation after the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, etc.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors has followed these developments with great attention and interest. Also, has addressed them in its activities, in the meetings with the Diplomatic Corps in Tirana, Pristina, Skopje, Washington, etc., in the meeting and the visit to the region of the delegation of the Council of American Ambassadors and in numerous statements of which have been echoed in our media and beyond.
The public, our colleagues and partners in the region, Europe, USA, have appreciated these statements etc.
It is worth noting that in addition to the relevant findings and conclusions, The Council of Albanian Ambassadors and its executive board have come up with concrete geopolitical proposals and suggestions, for our side, for the EU, the USA, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, etc. Members of KASH have elaborated these ideas in their writings in the daily press and in television interviews.
Consequently, KASH has become an important source and point of reference for these and other geopolitical aspects.
Below we give a summary of the main developments in our country, in the region and in the world, with some conclusions and suggestions for the future.
On the main diplomatic achievements and issues in Albania.
The year 2023 was relatively good for our country, although it should and could have been better and without diplomatic friction. Albania successfully completes non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council 2022-2023; in October, chaired the SC for a month, leading several important meetings and forums. Following this, in November it was elected for the second time to the UN Human Rights Council with headquarters in Geneva and to the UNESCO Executive Board.
Of great importance was the Summit of the Berlin Process in Tirana on October 16, the first to take place in the countries of the region, with a large presence of European leaders; there were many high-level visits inside and outside the country, where Emanuelle Macron’s on October 17th, the first of a French President in Tirana, definitely stands out.
Of course, they are major events, with positive effects for the image of the country, the strengthening of democracy, the development of the economy, etc. It must be said that they were not achieved overnight, but are the product of many years of efforts and previous work in various forums and organizations, such as the EU, CoE, OSCE, NATO, etc.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors has greeted these events with statements, and other forms.
Meanwhile, in addition to the well-known positive values, our Council has drawn attention to some negative phenomena in the handling, public, and governmental media interpretation of these diplomatic events, which often are treated with excess and propaganda.
On the other hand, these achievements have mainly diplomatic and image values, but it is not that they have any great impact on aspects of our internal daily life. The main factor in our role and activity abroad remains the internal factor, which gives the necessary credibility to be really active and effective in foreign policy.
The disturbing event of the last few months has been and remains the tension of bilateral relations with Greece, due to the “Beleri” issue. In fact, it has already crossed the borders of a bilateral issue. According to the Greek side, it has to do with respecting the rule of law, the principle of presumption of innocence and the development of a regular legal process.
Based on the above, Greece vetoed the opening of the first group chapter at the EU Summit on December 14 and has warned that it will maintain this position until the end, based on the new expansion strategy of March 2020.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors appreciates that such political tensions, especially with a neighboring country and partner in NATO, are resolved in a positive spirit, through diplomatic channels, examining and promising ways and opportunities to overcome problems.
We also draw attention to the very important fact that EU membership, and, in this context, the opening and development of negotiations, is not only or mainly a technical aspect and work of technicalities. It is not even the use of AI for the rapid translation of European laws, but their implementation that is only in our hands.
In fact, technically, we have never had problems with the EU; our teams of skilled experts and negotiators trained abroad in all phases of the negotiations so far and in the analytical review process that has just ended, have been evaluated with positive marks by all EU institutions. If it were for the technical and negotiating side, we would be in the EU in time! Our main problem and obstacle has been and remains the lack of political will of our government leaderships (even when geopolitics and moments have been favorable for us) in implementing laws and strengthening the rule of law.
The Berlin process replaces the “Open Balkans”.
On October 16, for the first time in Tirana was held, the Summit of the Berlin Process, which will later continue in other capitals of the region, with the aim of “owning” it by our countries.
Undoubtedly, this is a long-awaited major event for our country and diplomacy and the region.
This Summit put an end to the short-lived “Open Balkan” initiative. Within the framework of the Berlin Process, launched in 2014 by former Chancellor Merkel, several summits and other important activities were held, with many commitments, but they were not implemented due to a lack of political will, including from the three countries of “Open Balkans”.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors has continuously emphasized the essential differences between the Berlin Process and the Open Balkans. Unlike the latter, the Berlin Process is not only led by Berlin, the largest and most democratic country in Europe, but the other big ones are also there, as well as the “smaller ones”, France, Italy, Austria, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, etc.
Berlin and the EU had also taken care, even before the creation of the “Open Balkans”, for the creation of several regional forums, units and processes that would best serve the implementation of the Berlin Process and the creation of the Common Regional Market. We mention here the Regional Cooperation Council, RCC with headquarters in Sarajevo, which is supported by the EU and 35 other international actors, the successful CEFTA, the Regional Energy Community, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, the Southeast European Initiative and some other initiatives according to relevant fields.
Another big minus for the “Open Balkans” was the fact that apart from Montenegro and Bosnia- Herzegovina, Kosovo was neglected, even though we have an agreement with it for joint diplomatic action. Unjustifiable action for our politics and diplomacy, which should have Kosovo as an absolute priority, unconditionally and under any circumstances in diplomatic activity.
On the other hand, and within the three participating countries of “Open Balkan” there was a lot of opposition from the opposition, the president, the press, the media and civil society, “think tanks” and the best known experts and academics. This has not happened with any of the other regional initiatives, which have had full consensus.
This is why it is highly hoped that despite its problems and zigzags during these 9 years, the Tirana Summit and subsequent events will serve to revive the historic Berlin Process; with its main aim, 4 4 the strong help and support for the acceleration of our EU membership negotiations, especially now that enlargement has re-emerged at the top of the European geopolitical agenda and beyond.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors estimates that there is a need for a quick and comprehensive repair of relations with Kosovo, damaged also for reasons of the Open Balkans.
What’s more, now the new wind that has begun to blow in the Western capitals after the protests, criticisms and requests to change their wrong attitude towards Belgrade helps us a lot, as did the Letter of the 10 heads of the Foreign Committees of the Parliaments European Parliament and the American Senate and 56 MPs of all political parties addressed to the Secretary of State Blinken and the high representative of the EU, Borrell, where a new coercive and not pacifying policy is required towards Belgrade, which is a problem and not a solution, less actor/factor of regional stability and for a new positive qualitative approach to Kosovo, the true ally of the West.
Our politics and diplomacy should have started this “refit” precisely by greeting the above letter.
For a new western strategy for Serbia.
During this period, we followed with great interest and concern the developments in Serbia, and, in particular, its dialogue with Kosovo and, in this context, their agreement in Brussels in February and with the relevant annexes in Ohrid on March 18. On this occasion, we expressed our ideas, support, but also our reservations regarding their implementation, due to the Serbian refractory attitudes, which to this day does not accept their signature, insisting only on the association.
Many strong voices express with fair arguments that the terrorist attacks of the Serbian gangs that culminated on September 24 in Banjce and the further tension of the situation in the North of Kosovo practically marked the end of an era with the 12-year dialogue and the forced Ohrid Agreement. Of course, for now, the aim is to keep the situation under control, curb Serbian aggressiveness and stabilize the situation. However, in the near future, instead of continuing a routine dialogue that leads nowhere, an approach, a paradigm, i.e. a new qualitative strategy with comprehensive measures towards Serbia is required from the USA and the EU Kosovo and beyond in our region.
It is inexcusable that even after the Russian aggression, when Serbia did not join the sanctions against Moscow, when it sabotaged the participation in the partial local elections in Kosovo and “prevented” the signing of the Brussels/Ohrid Agreement, the USA and the EU continue “get the best” of Belgrade.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors belives that Serbia tries to exploit the trust and peaceful spirit of the West, using it only to gain time for the realization of its Serbian project.
This is why the new paradigm urgently requires the implementation of “preventive and coercive diplomacy” towards Belgrade. Fortunately, it seems that the US and the EU are turning the corner in this direction, raising their voices towards Belgrade recently.
According to many analysts, until now the EU, as well as the USA, have mainly worked for the realization of foreign policy goals and for stabilocracy, not engaging seriously in the field of democracy, civil society, the media and supporting the opposition where our region and especially Serbia limps significantly. The Council of Albanian Ambassadors expresses the conviction that stability without democracy is false, illusory and temporary.
Therefore, in the said paradigm, priority should go to the promotion of the rule of law, the strengthening and emancipation of the opposition, civil society, etc.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors calls for a qualitative re-dimensioning of the Western attitude towards Kosovo and its new, democratic and uncorrupted leadership, as suggested by the 56 heads of Foreign Commissions and MPs of major Western countries and many other political scientists and experts, giving end of the “stick” and with more support for Pristina. Moreover, when in Kosovo, unlike in Serbia, democracy advances, free elections are held, without the deformation of the will of the people, normal political rotation and refreshment of political leadership is realized. Quite unlike Serbia, Kosovo, as a loyal ally of the West, has implemented everything suggested to it by the West, has aligned itself with EU positions in foreign and security policy, etc.
In this new approach/paradigm, there is no hope for dialogue, a little less functional without its basic elements – the climate, the terrain and the friendly environment, not like before, which does not allow even a handshake! The Council of Albanian Ambassadors estimates that there cannot be such a positive climate when Serbian leaders shout loudly everywhere that they will not recognize Kosovo, when Serbia arms itself and makes provocations, when it sides with Russia and commits other suspicious actions.
As far as the Council of Albanian Ambassadors is concerned, and during 2023, it has continued its efforts and demarches in the above directions. In addition to numerous statements, it has addressed them in all its activities, including in the meeting with the American counterparts and in the joint visits and meetings in May in Tirana, Pristina and Skopje with the highest leaders of the respective states and governments.
In the meetings held by The Council of Albanian Ambassadors with various chancelleries, it was emphasized that the normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations, mutual recognition, would strengthen peace and security in the region and minimize Russian influence.
The Presheva valley and the systematic violation of the rights of Albanians there has been and remains in the attention of the Council of Albanian Ambassadors and a priority of its activity.
During our fact-finding visit to the Valley at the beginning of this year, among other things, we identified the lack of will on the part of the Serbian side in respect of the rights of the Albanians of the Valley, as well as the double standards that Serbia demands for the Serbian minority in Kosova. The Council of Albanian Ambassadors has sent a letter with concrete suggestions for respecting the rights of Albanians in the Presheva Valley to the Council of Europe, the US Department of State, the US Helsinki Committee, the EU, OSCE and elsewhere.
6 6 We recall here that the reports of DoS, KiE, or the Helsinki Committee of Serbia itself, sound the alarm about the situation of Albanians and their legitimate rights in the Presheva Valley, in a special way for “Modern Ethnic Cleansing”, through to the absurd passivation of addresses there. Medveja, but also Bujanovci and Presheva have been suffering for a long time from this Serbian “invention” against only one minority in Serbia – the Albanians, autochthonous in that area.
EU enlargement in the face of geopolitics, reform and merit.
During this year and in the future, the European expansion towards the Western Balkans has again become the central topic of the day in high European politics. It was at the top of the agenda of the EU Informal Summit in Grenada, Spain on October 6, at the Berlin Process Summit on October 16 in Tirana and finally at the EU-Western Balkans Summit on December 13 and at the Council of the EU- on December 14-15.
The study presented by 12 Franco-German experts on the respective chances, costs and benefits is serving as “food for thought”, preceded by the declaration of the President of the European Council Charles Michel for an indicative deadline of 2030, when the countries of the region will be ready for membership.
It is widely estimated that the expansion has reappeared on the scene with special emphasis dictated by the emergent geopolitical interest, after the Russian aggression towards Ukraine and the fear that, in the absence of the near perspective of the expansion, the candidate countries may find shelter elsewhere.
Undoubtedly, the geopolitical factor, especially in this case, is very important, especially for the EU. That is why it has responded to this historic moment with direct messages and measures.
With 12 packages of sanctions against Russia, hundreds of billions of euros in economic and military aid for Ukraine, its acceptance as a candidate and the opening of negotiations with Moldova, the investment plan of 30 billion euros for the Balkans, the revitalization of the Berlin Process, the opening of negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, the inclusion of these countries in the European Political Community, etc.
However, we estimate that what is required today is the significant/tangible acceleration of the accession process of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and possibly Georgia.
We have to be aware of the big obstacles that come from within the EU to speed up this process.
Here we have in mind the state and “mood” of the public regarding the expansion in the EU countries. Unfortunately, enlargement is no longer attractive and, it does not give you, but “steals” votes in elections. This was clearly seen in the most recent parliamentary elections in Spain, Sweden, Italy, Slovakia and Poland, where expansion was not on the “election menu” at all. In addition, on the eve of the 2024 European elections, the main concern of voters remains security, living standards and consumers’ power. Recent polls show that the majority of the population in the EU member states are against this expansion with the Balkan countries.
In addition, there is a growing fear that in addition to the advantages for the EU and the geopolitical advantage, this enlargement will have much greater economic, social and financial costs for the EU member states, especially for those states that will from now on to turn from beneficiaries to contributors of funds for the EU. Suffice it to mention that according to some reliable preliminary calculations, only the process of Ukraine’s accession to the EU during the next 5 years requires additional funds of 186 billion euros, while for the Western Balkans, Moldova and Georgia 80 billion euros.
Another major concern is the assessment that the EU will not be able to function normally with 33 or 36 members without undertaking appropriate internal reforms.
Based on the above, we judge that our countries, state institutions, the entire political class should be maximally invested in fulfilling the required criteria.
In this context, the resolution of the bilateral disputes of the candidate countries is a necessity as another serious obstacle in this process. The EU stands out precisely for its ability to resolve impasses with talks, without ultimatums, with concessions, understanding, and occasional compromises. Therefore, the aspirant countries should have “earings in the ear” of this way of action and provide evidence.
In addition, The Council of Albanian Ambassadors assesses that however important geopolitics is, it does not give its effects, and even turns into a boomerang for the membership process if it is not accompanied by the merits of each country in terms of the progress of creating a functional state of law, elections free and fair, the fight against corruption, organized crime and drugs; EU leaders emphasized in Tirana on October 16 that they will no longer forgive without quality progress in these areas.
Also, the “spirit but also the letters” of the EU require that all legal projects and initiatives fully and continuously comply with the European legal corpus, renouncing sovereign concepts.
Now the EU does not listen and a little less believes in political declarations. EU sees the results of the scan that she is doing for all countries, including our country, where there are many problems. In many points, we are above, in others below the average, but everywhere there are gaps and gaps, which need time to be repaired. The EU obligatorily demands that these conditions and repairs be realized during the negotiations and without waiting for the EU membership.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors appeals to the majority, but also to the opposition – we all need to create the European climate, terrain and spirit of a country that really aspires to become part of the EU as soon as possible. Now with a brand new quality paradigm, offering data, not just asking.
Finally, although for known reasons, not only was it not possible to open the first group of chapters of negotiations with our country, but also no date was set, this does not mean to demobilize by undervaluing or ignoring the dates and deadlines. No one prevents us from realizing the objectives systematically starting from now, avoiding internal conflicts and with neighboring countries. This will certainly speed up the process.
Uncompromising war and peace for Ukraine.
Discussions and predictions regarding the fate and duration of the war in Ukraine, the real possibilities for peace or other scenarios continue. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg refuted the various conjectures in this field again on November 9 during his visit to Berlin. He warned the Western Alliance to “prepare for a war that does not know how long it can last”, guaranteeing continuous economic, diplomatic and especially military aid and support for Ukraine, because only in this way “Putin will be convinced that he cannot win not even in the field of combat”.
However, after the tension of the situation in the Western Balkans and especially in the Middle East, an avoidance and reduction of attention from Ukraine has been observed, despite the promises that Western aid to it “will continue as long as it is necessary”. This fact was confirmed by Kiev itself, announcing the postponement to February of the Summit it would host in November dedicated to solidarity with Ukraine. Of course, these postings and new dynamics can also create some geopolitical convenience for Russia.
The indefinite extension of the Russian aggression and as a result of the war in Ukraine is caused by the impossibility of reaching a ceasefire and peace at the diplomatic table, although there is a lot of talks and promises and initiatives and projects in this direction are not lacking; China, Brazil, African countries, Ukraine and Russia themselves have come up with their peace projects, which have been discussed in Kiev, Moscow, Washington, Brussels and other international capitals until the last few days.
In fact, these initiatives, more than the realization of a real peace, are launched for internal electoral effects, for diplomatic protagonism, to be “politically correct”, and, in the best of cases, no more than “a good wish”. Because achieving a real and lasting peace with Moscow is very difficult, if not impossible. The non-negotiable condition is that Russia ceases aggression, withdraws from the territories occupied in 2014 and 2022, and gives adequate guarantees that it will not repeat such unprovoked attacks, something impossible for Putin. Especially now that he is encouraged by some military successes and some withdrawal of Ukraine on defense, he has spoken openly against the peace negotiations.
Based on the above, full and comprehensive help and support for Ukraine continues to remain a priority request, also to show Russia that the West is very serious and will support Ukraine in all directions – by protecting Ukraine, everyone is protected other sovereign and democratic countries.
This idea was reinforced last November by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, when he declared that “there is no room for fatigue in helping Ukraine, because it protects European values and security”.
Good news for Ukraine is the European Commission’s recommendation of November 8 to open membership negotiations, which was approved (not without difficulty) at the EU Summit on December 14. However, the road to its EU membership will be long, arduous and full of twists and turns. The deciding factor will be the fate of the war.
Ultimately, at the top of the political, military and diplomatic agenda of Ukraine and the West is war, progress on the military front and continued international assistance for total victory at all costs and the realization of a lasting peace that guarantees stability, security and prosperity for all.
In all its diplomatic activity, the Council of Albanian Ambassadors has supported and supports Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the acceleration of its European integration journey. Unconditional and uncompromising support for Ukraine guides our activity.
On the situation and diplomatic alternatives in the Middle East.
As is known, on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist gangs retaliated, killed 1,200 innocent civilians, injured hundreds more, and took 240 innocent civilians hostage in the Gaza Strip. It is rightly considered “September 11 of the Near East” not only because so far it has caused tens of thousands of innocent civilian victims, most of them women and children; but, above all, for the numerous consequences in planetary geopolitics, due to the strategic importance of this region for peace, stability and security throughout the world.
Unlike the war against ISIS, where there was overall global cohesion, the solution to today’s geopolitical mess is hindered precisely by the lack of a single international front due to internal and external divisions, incompatible principles and interests within, without and between them.
The Peace Plan proposed on November 13, 2023 by EU Foreign Policy Chief Borrell is the first step, very difficult and without much hope, knowing the divisions within the EU. With great difficulty, in their meeting on November 13, the foreign ministers agreed on the creation of a pause and humanitarian corridor to come to the aid of the population in the Gaza Strip.
However, for many well-known and historical reasons, the EU cannot do more than distribute humanitarian aid and make political statements and visits.
In the West, the other big problem is the division of public opinion in European countries, clearly in favor of Palestine. Anti-Semitic demonstrations in the last 4 months have tripled in Germany, France, Britain, but also in the US and elsewhere.
After October 7, we are witnessing a strong return of the American Administration to that region, through numerous visits of the highest American leaders, the significant strengthening of the military presence in the Mediterranean region, etc.
Ignoring in the recent past the fact that at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not trade and economics, but the background and historical conflicts and wrong policies, means that the US must now operate in much more unfavorable circumstances and terrain.
The West faces many unstable states and blocs and opponents, which makes its work extremely difficult.
These clashes and disagreements are being reflected in the UN, which is showing its inability to manage the situation, let alone as a guarantor of security and peace. On November 15, the Security 10 10 Council adopted, amid much debate, the resolution on the creation of multi-day corridors for humanitarian purposes. Although binding, Israel states that it will not implement that resolution because it serves Hamas militants.
In creating such a situation of escalating conflict and war, where hundreds of innocent victims continue to be killed every day, and, especially, the impossibility of finding a peaceful solution, of course the many problems in the respective governments in Tel Aviv and Ramallah can not be ignored.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors estimates that the essence of a definitive solution to this age-old conflict remains the acceptance and implementation of the “two-state” policy, together with the creation of trust and security measures between Israel and Palestine, the avoidance of violence and the establishment of the Gaza Strip, next to the West Bank Western, under the administration of the future state of Palestine. As President Biden declared, after the calm of the situation, Israel must leave Gaza.
Visit of the Council of American Ambassadors to Albania-Kosovo-North Macedonia.
With the invitation of the Council of Albanian Ambassadors an extended delegation of the Council of American Ambassadors , led by the President of this Council, Ambassador Timothy Chorba, was on a one-week visit (May 7-13, 2023), fact-gathering in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The goal was to get to know the developments of democratic processes, Euro-Atlantic integrations, as well as the presence and contribution of the United States of America in our region.
To emphasize that:
• The visit of the Council of American Ambassadors shaped the American attention to our region and the commitment of this strategic partner to all our countries in the future.
• Support was reconfirmed for the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the region, for further democratization and integration processes, for the fight against corruption and organized crime, as negative pandemic elements for the entire region, support for addressing Russian aggressiveness, for resolving North Macedonian disagreements with Bulgaria, support for the democratization of society and for free and fair elections in Albania, etc.
• In particular, support was reconfirmed for reaching a final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, which would be based on the mutual recognition of the two states. The Republic of Kosova, an independent and sovereign state, is not only a contributor to stability and security, but also an example of democracy for the entire region, is an irreversible reality.
• In the meetings held by Council of American Ambassadors, it was emphasized that the normalization of Kosova-Serbia relations, mutual recognition, would strengthen peace and security in the region and minimize Russian influence.
From the closed conversations, among other things, it was evident the lack of will of the Serbian side to reach a final agreement with the Republic of Kosova, but also the double standards that 11 11 Serbia requires for the Serbian minority in Kosovo, while the reports of DoS, KiE , or of the Helsinki Committee of Serbia itself, sound the alarm about the state of Albanians and their legitimate rights in the Presheva Valley.
• One of the main concerns for all of us is the situation of the rights of Albanians in the Presheva Valley. Not only from our Council report, but also from the meeting that the representatives of the political parties of the Valley had with the Council of American Ambassadors (meeting organized by us in Prishtina on May 10), concern was raised about this situation, as was requested exerting pressure on the Serbian government to stop the “Modern Ethnic Cleansing of Albanians”, through the passivation of addresses, lack of investment and perspective for Albanians in the Valley, etc.
• To emphasize that although there are positive developments regarding the rights of Albanians in Montenegro, the problems with their full integration in the state structures, but also the use of the mother tongue, continue to remain unresolved issues. The meeting organized by us between the Council of American Ambassadors and a representation of the Albanian political parties in Montenegro, in Tirana, on May 8, was quite constructive in this regard.
• In North Macedonia the situation is certainly more advanced. After the approval of the historic Ohrid Agreement in 2001, and with the great work done by the Albanian parties for the implementation of the Agreement, the Albanians, who make up over 30% of the population, are now a state-forming factor, and the main promoters of the integration processes in NATO and the EU. However, there are still discriminatory efforts by certain circles of society and leadership in North Macedonia, who think that they are autochthonous in those territories and with the reminiscence of the past, prejudge that only them, have the right to run the country.
• In the numerous meetings that the Council of American Ambassadors had in the region, it was confirmed that the Albanian factor, in all the countries where they live, is an element that determines the pro-American and European orientation of the region, despite the pressure exerted by Russia.
• In the narrative of the leaders of North Macedonia, the need to emphasize the national identity of the NM and the danger of its deformation, especially from Bulgaria, was expressed.
• Findings of the Deputy Prime Minister Maricikj that Serbia and Vucic are their best friends standing by NM, according to him, in every difficult moment, the members of the Council of American Ambassadors responded by saying that Vucic implements a conflicting policy for Kosovo, which you know it, but it also has a closeness to Russian politics in the region.
• The visit confirmed the close partnership of the Council of Albanian Ambassadors with the Council of American Ambassadors. The latter reiterated throughout the meetings that they came at the invitation of Council of Albanian Ambassadors, the program was agreed with us and that the Council of Albanian Ambassadors is our main partner in the region.
• Finally, but not least, we emphasize that our main goal as the Council of Albanian Ambassadors was to increase attention and confirm American support for the still unresolved Albanian issues in the region. We are confident that we have reached this goal.
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The Council of Albanian Ambassadors will continue to follow carefully developments in the region and beyond. We will work with dedication in the function of the mission for which we were founded – in support of our national foreign policy and the promotion of the rights of Albanians wherever they are and live.
Since 2018, when the Council of Albanian Ambassadors was founded as a nationwide organization, we have occupied a space that is not only credible and reliable, but also unrivaled in our foreign policy. Hundreds of thousands of visitors to our official website, very good relations with all diplomatic missions in our capitals are proof of this.
We are grateful to the Honorary Board and the Advisory Board, as well as to everyone who has supported us in our journey and mission. In particular, we are grateful to the Council of American Ambassadors, our irreplaceable partners, whose visit had a great impact in our region.