OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier spoke at the opening session of the OSCE Parliamentary Fall Meeting, hosted by the Albanian Parliament, on 5 October 2012.

He emphasized the value of parliamentarians’ contribution to the work of the OSCE and drew their attention to the developing “Helsinki+40” debate on reforming and updating the agenda of the organization, as well as the preparations for the Ministerial Council in Dublin on 6 and 7 December.

Zannier was in Albania on an official visit from 4 to 7 October. During his visit he met Prime Minister Sali Berisha, President Bujar Nishani, Foreign Minister Edmond Panariti, Speaker of the Assembly Jozefina Topalli Çoba and People’s Advocate Igli Totozani to discuss co-operation with the OSCE. They discussed the OSCE’s support for Albania’s reform process and for constructive political dialogue. He also met with the staff of the OSCE Presence in Albania and representatives of the international community.