TIRANA, February 18 – Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani highlighted the strategic and political importance of Corridor VIII during the ministerial meeting in Tirana.

He stressed Italy’s commitment to supporting the region’s European integration. Tajani emphasized that the process should be seen as reunification, not enlargement. He added that Italy supports Ukraine’s EU aspirations but regional reunification must come first. He announced a meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans on March 30 to confirm backing for regional reunification.

Tajani described Corridor VIII as a political initiative to strengthen cooperation among regional countries and support their EU integration. He noted that Italy’s presence confirms commitment to reinforcing regional relations and continuing work started in Brindisi on January 23.

He also said completing Corridor VIII is a security objective and a shared strategic priority. Tajani underlined full engagement in taking concrete and safe steps toward its implementation, emphasizing its importance for both economic development and regional security.

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