President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, is currently attending the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. This year, the session is being held in Dayton, United States, marking the 30th anniversary of the peace agreement that ended the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the forum titled “Renewing focus on peace and prosperity in the Balkans,” President Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s support for the Dayton Agreement and for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
Furthermore, he highlighted international efforts to end conflicts in the region. “The Dayton Peace Agreement ended a brutal war in the Balkans. To this day, it remains a cornerstone of peace, stability, and hope,” he said.
Moreover, President Begaj stressed the importance of timely intervention in Kosovo, which helped prevent a catastrophe.
“The United States played a historic role in securing peace three decades ago. Without a doubt, without U.S. leadership, the Dayton Agreement wouldn’t have been possible. Similarly, Kosovo wouldn’t be independent today. In fact, our region wouldn’t enjoy its current stability without America’s continued engagement,” he emphasized.
In addition, he praised Albania’s strategic partnership with the U.S. “Albania reaffirms its strong commitment to democratic values. Specifically, we promote peace, security, stability, sustainable economic growth, and good neighborly relations. Above all, we Albanians deeply honor and value our friendship with the United States. We are committed to strengthening it for future generations,” he added.
President Begaj also appreciated the ongoing engagement of the U.S., NATO, and the EU in the Balkans. He expressed Albania’s commitment as a NATO member to strengthen solidarity, unity, and cohesion within the Alliance.
Facing new challenges in the region after the war in Ukraine, he called for greater cooperation among allies to turn these challenges into opportunities, hope, and unity.
Finally, he concluded, “Let us reaffirm our commitment to the Western Balkans—a region not trapped in its past but standing in the light of its future. Thirty years ago, peace became possible here. Now, it’s our duty to make it permanent.”
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