Ukrainian top diplomat: summit in Tirana shows how much Albania enjoys in region, remains united

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has thanked Albania on Wednesday for organising the summit for his country and has reiterated that it is very important that Russia be held responsible for the war launched in Ukraine in 2022.

He has made these statements at a media conference with Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani.

The conference is held just before the start of Albania's organised summit, and it is expected to be discussed on security issues and support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

This summit shows how much recognition Albania enjoys in the region and sends a clear message that we remain united”, Kuleba has said.

He has thanked Albania for its humanitarian initiatives after the start of the war, including the rehabilitation of children whose parents were killed in the war.

The Ukrainian top diplomat also spoke of the NATO summit, to be held in Washington, and reiterated his country's intention to become part of the Western military alliance.

Our “expectations are that, among other things, one of the results of the Washington summit will be a step forward towards membership in Ukraine, which eventually makes this part of Europe safer”, he has said.

Albania's top diplomat, Igli Hasani, has indicated that authorities are in the phase of preparations for opening the Albanian Embassy in Kiev, and that he hopes the inauguration will occur “in the coming months”.

Albania supports freedom, independence, the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Albania strongly condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine”, Hasan has said, adding that his country will continue to support Kiev during the war, but also in the post-war phase of reconstruction of the state.

He has said he wishes the joint summit will be productive and offer new prospects for Ukraine's future.

Several Southeast European leaders will attend the summit in Tirana.

According to agenda Rama and Zelensky are expected to give opening talks and then a meeting behind closed doors.

The summit will conclude with their appearance at a media conference.

The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the fight <x0 special military operation” to demilitarise Ukraine.

The West has responded to Russia, striking the economy of this state with severe sanctions.

As a result of the war, thousands have died, and millions of others have been displaced from their homes. / REL