Minister Hoxha from New York: Regional Cooperation, a Strategic Necessity for Security in the Balkans

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation for security, stability and welfare in the Western Balkans.

Hoxha took part in a discussion held within the framework of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting was organized within the framework of Romania’s chairmanship of the Central European Initiative (CEI) and the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP).

In his remarks, Minister Hoxha dwelled on the challenges facing the region and the world, mentioning growing insecurity, conflicts, hybrid threats, cyber attacks and economic pressures. According to him, in the face of these developments, the answer must be more cooperation and dialogue, as well as concrete actions, instead of fragmentation and confrontation.

Hoxha stressed that regional cooperation can no longer be seen simply as a matter of good-neighborly relations, but as a strategic necessity for the countries of the Western Balkans. “For Albania, regional cooperation remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy and a strategic investment in the peace, security, resilience and prosperity of the Western Balkans and Europe as a whole,” Minister Hoxha declared.

He also pointed to the link between regional cooperation and the prospect of membership in the European Union. “Stronger regional ties help advance the European perspective, while the prospect of EU membership provides a powerful impetus for cooperation, reform and connectivity. Trust enables cooperation, cooperation strengthens resilience, and resilience creates opportunities for our citizens,” Hoxha concluded.