OSCE support for Albania’s participation in ICAO Public Key Directory discussed with Interior Minister in Tirana

The Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department met with Albania’s Interior Minister Sander Lleshaj during a country visit on 21 and 22 February 2019 to facilitate Albania’s participation in the Public Key Directory of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO PKD) – a central repository simplifying and facilitating the fast and secure authentication of electronic passports at borders.

The OSCE representatives also met with Deputy Interior Minister Rovena Voda and General Director of the office for Regulatory and Compliance for Public Order and Security Adriatik Mema.

Dennis Cosgrove, Head of the Border Security and Management Unit outlined what benefits Albania could gain by becoming a member of the ICAO PKD and how the OSCE can support the country in this process.

Florian Foefle, an independent expert in this area, described the technical requirements for the integration of the Albanian National Public Key Infrastructure with the ICAO PKD. 

Minister Lleshaj positively received the initiative and stressed Albania’s interest in improving existing border security systems. He thanked OSCE for its long-standing co-operation with the Albanian Government.

After meeting the Minister, the OSCE delegation also met with the State Police and Civil Registry of Albania and discussed the next steps of joining the ICAO PKD.

The country visit was a follow-up activity to the first OSCE Regional Workshop for South-East Europe on ICAO PKD, which was organized in Montenegro, November last year. At the workshop Albania presented an overview of its e-passport system and together with recommendations from experts drafted a road map on how to join the ICAO PKD.