Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama has called on Kosova and Serbia to leave behind the complex issues between them and focus on the work for the transformation of the region.

In the opening speech of the “Western Balkans-EU” summit that is being held this Thursday in Tirana, referring to the tensions between Kosova and Serbia, Prime Minister Rama said that bilateral issues should be resolved through cooperation and dialogue.

“Some of the countries of the region face complex issues among themselves, but we should leave these behind for a cooperative and vital work that we have before with the aim of transforming the region. Bilateral issues remain, but they must be resolved through the cooperation of bilateral dialogue and must not interfere in this new multilateral exercise,” declared Rama, while continuing his speech with the EU Growth Plan, which he considered to be very encouraging.

Rama said that Albania has entered a new phase towards membership in the European Union. He emphasized that Albania is cooperating closely with international partners to increase the chances of success.

“Albania has entered a new phase towards EU membership. We are intensively undertaking the necessary home works that are so numerous by adopting the EU Acquis Communautaire, increasing the fight against corruption.

We remain determined to promote the improvement of relations with regional partners, peace dialogue and dialogue between Western Balkans countries.

We are working closely with EU allies to increase efforts and increase the chances of success. The EU plan is an encouraging result of a frank and open exchange of views.

Why the EU must find new ways to help us on our way to full membership. The new opportunity that this out-of-the-box plan represents is not only recognition by the EU of our efforts, but also challenges us to put into evidence our readiness for the common European destiny. Opportunities can be taken or lost. We must commit ourselves fully, without restrictions or coercions, to take advantage of this opportunity,” Rama said.

/a.p./