Rama: Our position on maritime agreement, unchanged

Mr.Rama declared that the main goal of these visits is starting a new chapter for the Albanian diplomacy and reinforcing the relations with these three countries, which he considers as strategic partners. Mr.Rama gave this interview to Top Channel’s journalist, Muhamed Veliu.

TCH: Mr.Rama, although you are not in duty yet, you have attended official visits in Istanbul and Athens. What is the goal of these visits.

Rama: These are work meetings to establish the cooperation bases in function of a strategic partnership between Italy, Turkey and Greece, being aware that Albania has not done enough in the bilateral relations during these years.

TCH: You spoke about the new relations with Greece, which should continue with Turkey and Italy. What steps should you undertake?

Rama: With Greece, as it is known, we are in a period that need to be overcome and we are prepared to open a new chapter, since the relations went to the lowest level in the past years. We are also ready to establish a level that has not been known before in the relations with Turkey. Italy is also a strategic partner that has helped Albania. From this partnership, Albania has not been able to reach social and economic development due to the past governments.

TCH: Mr.Rama, what made you involve Turkey in this?

Rama: Getting Turkey involved is part of our program for the Revival, in the foreign policy chapter, and result of a detailed analyze of this important factor that has been left aside for years.

TCH: The maritime border with Greece remains a problematic issue. Has this issue been discussed during your visit in Athens?

Rama: Our position is known on this matter, and we have the will to resolve it, same as our neighbors. I am convinced that with good will and mutual trust, there is nothing that cannot be resolved.

TCH: More concretely, how will this issue be resolved?

Rama: We have just been elected as the new government of Albania, and it would be better to not damage matters of this level by a premature propaganda of ideas.

TCH: What is the purpose of the Greek Foreign Minister visit in Tirana?

Rama: After the new government will take its oath, Tirana will be visited by the Foreign Ministers of these three countries and I see no reason to speculate on these visits, which are welcomed by the three parties and naturally even by us.

TCH: After Italy, Turkey and Greece, which is your next destination?

Rama: After the new government will start working, we will go to Prishtina, to Brussels and New York. This way we will complete the travel route of the newly created government.

TCH: Thank you for your time.

Rama: Thank you, and I believe that with a new and courageous foreign policy, Albania will have a stronger role in the region and in the partnership with the United States and the European Union.

Top Channel