The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has reacted after the debate created by the statement of the Serbian Foreign Minister on the possibility of opening a Serbian consulate in Shkodra, emphasizing that Albania’s main interest remains the opening of an Albanian Consulate General in the Presheva Valley.
According to Hoxha, Albania has long requested the establishment of a permanent consular representation in the Presheva Valley, while Serbia has submitted its request to open a Consulate General in Shkodra. He explained that any step will be taken only after there is agreement between the parties on all aspects of the process.
The Minister emphasized that reciprocity is a fundamental principle of diplomatic relations and should not be seen as a mechanical equalization of the interests or objectives of the two states.
“Albania’s goal and interest is to finally establish a permanent consular presence in the Presheva Valley, a long-overdue development in an area where a significant Albanian community lives. This will enable us to be closer to Albanian citizens, to support them more directly and to protect their legitimate interests,” Hoxha said.
He criticized the reactions that, according to him, have focused on the possibility of opening a Serbian consulate in Shkodra, leaving in the background the benefit that the creation of an Albanian diplomatic representation brings to the Albanians of the Presheva Valley.
In his statement, Hoxha underlined that Albania’s foreign policy is based on national interest, respect for international law and European values, and not on emotions or perceptions.
“This is our standard today, but also the standard that Albania aims to maintain as a future member state of the European Union. We are determined to represent this approach in every decision-making of our foreign policy,” the minister concluded.