TURCO-TOPI: ITALY INTERESTED IN FULL INTEGRATION OF ALBANIA IN EU

“Publication: ATA News/Albanian Telegraphic Agency
Date: November 19, 2007

TIRANA, Nov 19 (ATA)- Italian Minister of Health Livia Turco expressed on Monday interest of Italy in full integration of Albania in EU.
During the meeting held in Tirana with President Bamir Topi, Italian Health Minister highly praised the commitment of Albania to process of integration as well as the efforts to consolidate democratic institutions, reinforce rule of law in fight against organised crime and corruption as well as its moderating role in the interest of stability in the Balkans region.

After pointing to the traditionally excellent and multilateral relations existing between both countries, Topi expressed his gratitude for the valuable assistance of Italy for Albania throughout the transition period in consolidation of democracy and its institutions as well as for the worthy political, economic, health, cultural and academic cooperation.

The President also stressed the need for further intensification of this cooperation. The head of Albanian state asked Italy to become a promoter of fulfillment of Albania's aspiration for integration in the European family saying that rapid ratification by Italian Parliament of the Association-Stabilization Agreement Albania - EU would play an important role in this aspect.

The Head of the Albanian state, after providing a brief overview of domestic political situation, pointed to the need to balance political climate, carry out fundamental reforms such as the judicial and electoral reforms and also stressed the moderating and significant role of Albania and Albanian factor in regional stability where the gaining of independence status of Kosova would highly contribute serving fulfillment of aspiration of all Balkan countries for integration.