Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama made remarkable statements regarding Türkiye’s role in the Western Balkans. Speaking to the German newspaper Die Welt, Rama opposed the evaluation of Türkiye and Russia in the same way and evaluated Ankara’s presence in the region in terms of peace and stability.
“PUTTING Türkiye AND RUSSIA IN THE SAME STAGE IS A CLICHE”
Reacting to the perception of Türkiye in the Western world, Rama criticized the evaluation of Türkiye and Russia in the same category in terms of the Western Balkans.
Rama said, “These are clichés. Yes, Russia is a real threat and virus. However, there is no danger from Türkiye in the Western Balkans. I only see fraternal participation for stability and peace.” he said.
DRAW ATTENTION TO Türkiye’S PRESENCE IN THE REGION
Stating that he does not see Türkiye’s presence in the Western Balkans as a threat, the Albanian Prime Minister defined Ankara’s role in the region as “fraternal participation for stability and peace”.
“WESTERN BALKANS ARE THE OPEN BELLY OF EUROPE”
In his statements, Rama also touched upon the risks that the Western Balkans may pose if they remain outside the European Union. Describing the region as the “open belly” of Europe, Rama said that they aim for Albania to become a member of the European Union by 2030.
The Albanian Prime Minister also argued that the right of veto, which he said made the EU membership processes and decision-making mechanism difficult, should be abolished.
