BAKU, Azerbaijan April 21. A strengthened
cooperation with Azerbaijan is a part of a wider effort to build a
more interconnected, resilient, and strategically coherent European
space, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ferit
Hoxha said in an exclusive interview with Trend on the sidelines
of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
"Our bilateral relations with Azerbaijan have considerably
improved over the last years. We know that we can do more and we
remain committed. There is no doubt that the role and the weight of
a country, an actor that contribute to energy security,
connectivity, and regional stability increases significantly in
times of uncertainty. In this context, Azerbaijan is seen as an
important partner for Europe, particularly in energy, and in the
development of strategic transport and energy corridors," he
said.
The minister believes that to fully realize this
potential,cooperation should be structured around a set of concrete
and forward-looking priorities:
- Deepening cooperation in energy and infrastructure, including
the expansion and diversification of supply routes and
interconnections;
- Increasing investments in networks, logistics, and green
technologies, with a focus on sustainability and long-term
resilience;
- Strengthening economic ties that enhance competitiveness,
support integrated value chains, and facilitate trade flows;
- Enhancing regular and structured political dialogue on
regional security and shared strategic interests.
"From Albania’s standpoint, such partnerships generate greater
value when they are aligned with the broader objective of European
integration. They also reinforce Albania’s role as a key node in
regional connectivity and support its profile as a reliable and
responsible Euro-Atlantic actor. In this sense, we see a
strengthened cooperation with Azerbaijan as part of a wider effort
to build a more interconnected, resilient, and strategically
coherent European space," Hoxha added.
The Albanian minister also praised the progress in the
Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process.
"First of all, we are happy that peace has prevailed. So, in
this respect, any credible progress in strengthening long-term
peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a positive
development, as it strengthens stability and development in a
region known for its strategic importance for energy, connectivity,
and broader European security. Sustainable peace will contribute to
greater regional predictability, improve the climate for
cooperation, and strengthen connectivity corridors between Europe
and the wider Eurasian space.
It is therefore essential that this progress be consolidated
through the full and consistent implementation of the agreements
reached. Lasting peace requires not only political commitment at
the highest level, but also sustained efforts to build trust,
ensure transparency, and establish effective mechanisms for dispute
resolution and regional cooperation. Without these elements,
progress risks remaining fragile and reversible," he noted.
Hoxha pointed out that from the Albanian viewpoint, stability in
the Caucasus carries implications that extend well beyond the
region itself.
"It is closely linked to Europe’s energy diversification
efforts, the resilience of key transport and trade routes, and the
broader security architecture of the continent. In this context,
peace in the Caucasus should be understood not only as a regional
objective, but as a strategic contribution to Europe’s overall
stability, resilience, and long-term prosperity," the Albanian
minister added.
Further, speaking about Albania's priorities at the Antalya
Diplomacy Forum, Hoxha said this year’s forum delivers a clear and
timely message: in an international environment marked by multiple,
overlapping uncertainties, diplomacy must evolve—becoming not only
reactive, but also preventive, strategic, and focused on building
resilience.
"From Albania’s perspective, this requires a sharper
understanding of ongoing geopolitical transformations, stronger
coordination with Euro-Atlantic partners, and, crucially, the
ability to translate political priorities into concrete state,
economic, and institutional capacities. Diplomacy today must bridge
vision with implementation. For Albania, “mapping the future” means
recognizing that security, the economy, energy, and European
integration are no longer separate domains. They are deeply
interconnected. Developments in one sphere increasingly generate
immediate spillover effects across others—impacting trade, supply
chains, fiscal stability, and social cohesion.
In this context, Albania sees multilateral diplomacy, a strong
Euro-Atlantic partnership, and the acceleration of EU integration
not only as strategic priorities, but as essential responses to a
more complex and unpredictable global environment. These are the
tools through which we can better anticipate risks, enhance
resilience, and contribute meaningfully to regional and
international peace, stability, and sustainable development," he
explained.
Hoxha believes that Europe and the Western Balkans must adapt
their strategies by moving beyond reactive crisis management toward
building sustainable, long-term resilience.
"This requires not only stronger state capacities and improved
inter-institutional coordination, but also targeted investments in
critical sectors such as energy security, infrastructure, digital
transformation, and regional connectivity. From Albania’s
perspective, the Western Balkans are an integral part of the
European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture. As such, the
region’s stability is inseparable from that of Europe as a whole.
Accelerating integration into the European Union is therefore not
only a national aspiration for our countries, but a strategic
investment in Europe’s own security, cohesion, and global
credibility.
In this context, advancing reforms in the rule of law,
strengthening public financial management, deepening
digitalization, and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic
growth are essential. These efforts enhance institutional
resilience, improve governance, and increase the region’s capacity
to withstand external shocks—whether geopolitical, economic, or
energy-related," said the minister.
At the same time, he believes that strengthening regional
cooperation remains key.
"By fostering trust, improving connectivity, and aligning more
closely with EU standards and policies, the Western Balkans can
position themselves as a reliable and proactive partner in
addressing shared challenges. Ultimately, resilience is not only
about preparedness—it is about transformation. It means building
societies and economies that are adaptable, competitive, and
anchored in democratic values, capable not only of managing
uncertainty, but of shaping a more stable and secure future for the
region and for Europe as a whole," said Hoxha.
The Albanian foreign minister noted that from his country's
perspective, Europe should pursue a strategy built on three
mutually reinforcing tracks.
"First and foremost, the EU should pursue the enlargement
process with the Western Balkans with conviction and without
hesitation. In the current geopolitical environment, enlargement is
not a just a policy, it is a strategic imperative. By advancing
accession in a credible and merit-based manner, the EU would
reinforce stability, strengthen democratic institutions, and reduce
the space for external influence in a region that remains central
to Europe’s long-term security.
Throughout the history of the European Union, enlargement has
proved to be EU’s most effective geopolitical investment. Previous
enlargements are irrefutable proof. In the short term, effect of
joining ther EU anchors reforms, boosts investor confidence, and
enhances policy alignment across critical areas such as energy,
infrastructure, and the rule of law. Over time, it contributes to a
more cohesive and resilient European continent, better equipped to
manage economic shocks, security risks, and global competition," he
explained.
Second, said Hoxha, the EU should further strengthen economic and
energy security through sustained investment in energy
interconnections, transport corridors, and critical infrastructure.
Improving cross-border connectivity and resilience would not only
reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions but also enhance
regional integration and long-term stability.
"It should more decisively support economic diversification and
competitiveness, particularly in the Western Balkans. This requires
empowering the private sector, accelerating the digitalization of
value chains, fostering technological innovation, and addressing
structural weaknesses. Such efforts are essential to mitigate the
spillover effects of external shocks on production, supply chains,
and employment, while enabling more sustainable and inclusive
growth.
This is precisely what the EU is already advancing, together
with all of us, through the Growth Plan. More than a financial
instrument, the Growth Plan represents a forward-looking framework
that accelerates economic convergence, supports structural reforms,
and brings the Western Balkans closer to the EU’s single market
even before formal accession. In the case of Albania, it overlaps
perfectly with the accession process," he noted.
Third, as pointed out Hoxha, Europe should reinforce and if
possible, diversify creatively, its political and financial
instruments for partner and candidate countries, ensuring that the
process of European integration serves as a credible anchor for
stability.
"For Albania, EU accession is not merely a political aspiration;
it is a strategic instrument for strengthening state resilience,
consolidating Europe’s southeastern flank, and improving the
capacity to withstand geopolitical and economic pressures," the
Albanian minister concluded.
