The President of Parliament Vangelis Meimarakis visited the Albanian capital of Tirana after being invited by his Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta. After meeting, Mr. Meimarakis commented that one of the Greek EU presidency’s goals is for Albania to officially become an EU candidate in June.

Mr. Meimarakis explained that Greece has actively supported Albania’s NATO and EU bids, which will help contribute towards stability, security and growth in the troubled Balkans. Additionally, Mr. Meimarakis praised the good neighbor and strategic relations between the two countries.

The Albanian President responded that a “bridge of friendship and cooperation” unites the two countries, in the form of the Greek minorities in Albania and the Albanian community in Greece, while adding that the two will play an important role in ensuring stability and security in the area. Mr. Meta also underlined the importance of further developing ties in energy security.

After his meeting with Mr. Meta, the Greek official met with Albanian President Bujar Nisani, Prime Minister Edi Rama and the leader of the opposition Lulzim Basha. On Monday Mr. Meimarakis is scheduled to attend the XII Conference of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative under the Albanian Presidency.