Sustainable reform demands constructive political engagement, says OSCE Secretary General Greminger during visit to Tirana

TIRANA, 29 May 2018 – OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger today concluded a two-day visit to Tirana during which he met with Albania’s highest level officials, emphasizing the importance of broad political commitment to the country’s essential reforms and offering OSCE’s continued partnership. 

“The fight against corruption remains of paramount importance for the country, and the OSCE Presence in Albania is ready to help establish a solid track record of proactive investigations, prosecutions and convictions,” said Greminger. The OSCE Presence continues to support the government in shaping and implementing the National Strategy against Corruption 2015-2020.

“Albania has made considerable progress on the reform agenda,” said Greminger. “Electoral reform has made a positive start thanks to cross-party political will, but this must be sustained. The recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights should be addressed before the next elections.” 

In his meetings with the country’s senior officials, Greminger welcomed Albania’s constructive role in sustaining good neighbourly relations and supporting regional co-operation. “Albania is a full partner in OSCE’s work against the common security challenges facing our community, including organized crime and extremism,” he said.

Greminger met with Albania’s President Ilir Meta, Assembly Speaker Gramoz Ruçi, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati and Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj. He also met the leader of the Democratic Party, Lulzim Basha, representatives of international community and civil society.

During the visit, the Secretary General signed a co-operation agreement between the Albanian Parliament, the OSCE and the Swiss Government on a new project, ‘Support to the Albanian Parliament and Civic Education’. The project aims to increase public awareness and to empower Albanian citizens to participate in their country’s decision-making processes.

During his visit, the Secretary General also met with the staff of the OSCE Presence in Albania. 

OSCE Head of Presence Bernd Borchardt said: “The OSCE Presence in Albania will remain a strong supporter and partner of Albania’s institutions and citizens as they tackle their highest priority challenges.”

On behalf of the 2018 Italian OSCE Chairmanship, the Italian Ambassador to Albania, Alberto Cutillo, accompanied the Secretary General during his visit.

The OSCE Presence in Albania was established in 1997.