Kolinda shocked everybody with her statements in Tirana: She called Albanians Brothers in Arms, she thanked the "patriots" who fought for Croatia

Croatia strongly supports Albania's European integration and welcomes the progress it has made so far in meeting the criteria necessary for EU membership, President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said in the Albanian parliament on Thursday.

The division of Kosovo means war, anyone who speaks about it will bring a tragedy to the Balkans: A terrible warning by Haradinaj after the round of negotiations in Brussels

Recommended

- Croatia strongly supports Albania's European integration and welcomes the progress made in meeting the criteria for EU membership. As a country of energetic and diligent young people, Albania has excellent prospects - said the president during the second day of an official visit to Tirana, where she met with parliamentary speaker Grnit Rucij.

She also took the opportunity to congratulate the Albanian side on the decision of the European Council to open accession talks in June 2019.

Foto: Tanjug/Dimitrije Goll

- I congratulate you on the Council's decision recognizing Albania's progress and paving the way for the opening of accession talks in June 2019, the president said.

She said that Croatia will continue to support the process of European integration of Albania by conveying its experiences and knowledge acquired on its own European path. 

- We should continue to work together to establish even better co-operation (...) as a country with an extraordinary geo-strategic position, Albania will play an increasingly important role in Southeast Europe. Croatia is looking forward to further strengthening its strategic relations with Albania - said Grabar-Kitarovic.

This will, as she pointed out, contribute to positive processes in the neighborhood, both in terms of stability and security, as well as in improving economic security.

- Croatia and Albania can do a lot of things together - said the president.

Foto: Shutterstock

She reiterated that Croatia gives great importance to the stability, security, and prosperity of Southeast Europe and strongly advocates the European perspective of the entire region. 

- Albania is a very important partner, strategically and politically, and the EU has recognized it - said the president.

In her speech, she also referred to "lasting and inseparable friendship" between the two countries and the role of the Albanian national minority in Croatian society.

- We were literally brothers in arms before we joined NATO in 2009 together. Many Albanians have sacrificed their lives for Croatia and believe me - Croatia will not forget this.

She said that Croatia, a country at the crossroads of Christianity and Islam, maritime and continental traditions, is an excellent example of coexistence, inclusiveness, and integration of various cultures and religions.

Foto: Tanjug/Dimitrije Goll

- Albanians are fully integrated and valued members of Croatian society (...) as they love and respect Croatia, and at the same time they are proud and patriotic-minded Albanians, a great example of positive influence on the relations of our countries - said the president, especially reminding of the Arbanas community near Zadar which has been there since the 18th century.

She also recalled that friendship between the two countries dates back to the time when Dalmatia and Albania were under the authority of the Venice Republic, and in that context, she emphasized the role of Albanian Gyardy Kastrioti Skanderbeg.

Albania was declared the year of 2018 as the "Year of Skanderbeg", with numerous cultural events.

The president said that it should be known that Skanderbeg and his son received the title of honorary citizens of the Dubrovnik Republic for their contribution in the fight against the Ottomans.

She did not forget to mention the role of Croatian historian, translator and politician Milan Suflaj, one of the founders of Albanology, as well as historians from the 18th century - Andrija Kacic Miocic, as persons to whom Croatia owes its historical ties with Albania.

She stated that an "undoubtedly historical moment" in their relations was the opening of Croatian embassy in Tirana in March 1994.

- Long live Croatian-Albanian friendship - said the Croatian president at the end of the speech.

She will continue her visit to Albania by going to port in Drac.

(Telegraf.co.uk / Hina)