TIRANA, February 27 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Niko Peleshi, visited France today. He met with the President of the National Assembly of France, Yawl Braun-Pivet, to discuss bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Peleshi stressed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening ties. In addition, he highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in cultural, educational, and economic fields. He added that parliaments are essential for supporting Albania’s European Union integration.

Meanwhile, President Braun-Pivet recognized Albania’s progress toward EU membership. She welcomed closer collaboration with the Albanian Parliament. At the same time, she and French deputies addressed regional and international developments, including the war in Ukraine and EU enlargement. They also discussed Albania’s contribution to regional stability and opportunities to strengthen parliamentary, cultural, and diaspora cooperation.

Peleshi emphasized that EU membership remains Albania’s strategic goal. In this context, he noted that reforms, particularly in justice, are creating an independent and reliable system. He also expressed gratitude for France’s continuous support. Moreover, he reaffirmed that Albania and France share a historical friendship and a strategic partnership as NATO allies. He added that Albania supports Ukraine in defending freedom, territorial integrity, and democratic values.

Both sides confirmed their commitment to further strengthen Albania-France relations and regional stability.

Speaker Peleshi is accompanied by Deputy Speaker Agron Gjekmarkaj, Chair of the Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani, MPs Hatixhe Konomi and Enno Bozdo, and Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola.

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