Albanian President, visit to the Republic of Moldova: "EU enlargement is a strategic investment in Europe's security"
In light of an increasingly unstable regional environment, the Republic of Moldova and Albania regard the enlargement of the European Union (EU) and the accession of candidate states as not just reform processes but also vital tools for ensuring security and stability. This message was communicated by President Maia Sandu and her Albanian counterpart, Bajram Begaj, during their meeting at the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova on January 19.
Maia Sandu highlighted the fact that the Republic of Moldova and Albania are "two European states walking the same path", both being candidate countries for accession to the European Union.
"We are united by the same values and by the conviction that our future is in Europe - a future of peace, sovereignty, security and well-being", Maia Sandu stated, emphasizing that Bajram Begaj's visit is "the first at the presidential level in over 20 years" and marks "our common desire to give new impetus to political dialogue and bilateral cooperation".
In this context, Maia Sandu mentioned that, for small countries, the European path has a stake that goes beyond the economic or institutional dimension, being closely linked to security and long-term stability.
"For small states like ours, membership in the European Union is not only a development project but also a form of protection. The expansion of the European Union is a strategic investment in the security and stability of the entire continent," declared the head of state.
Maia Sandu also appreciated Albania's progress on its European path and Tirana's willingness to share its accumulated experience with Chisinau.
"Albania strongly supports the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU"
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, declared, in turn, that relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Albania are based on trust and constant cooperation, including within international organizations, where the two states coordinate their positions as candidate countries for the European Union.
"The relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Albania are characterized by trust, understanding and the absence of unresolved issues. We can further strengthen and expand them, for the benefit of our citizens", Begaj declared in Chisinau.
An important chapter of the discussions between the two presidents focused on regional security and the effects of Russia's war against Ukraine, in a context in which the threats generated by the conflict are felt throughout the region. In this regard, the Albanian president reconfirmed his country's firm support for Ukraine.
"Russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine generates direct threats to the security of the region and affects the stability of all of Europe", the Albanian head of state stated.
Also, Bajram Begaj reiterated Albania's support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova, underscoring the strategic role of European Union enlargement in this complex security context.
"The enlargement of the European Union remains one of the most effective instruments to ensure security, stability, prosperity and lasting peace in Europe. Albania strongly supports the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union", declared the President of Albania.
We would like to point out that the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, will pay an official visit to the Republic of Moldova from 18 to 20 January at the invitation of the Head of State. The Presidency announced that the visit of the Albanian President to Chisinau aims to strengthen cooperation and exchange of experience in the European integration process of both states.
Both the Republic of Moldova and Albania have the status of candidate countries for accession to the European Union and are already in the accession negotiations phase. Albania has been a candidate state since 2014 and has opened all negotiation chapters by the end of 2025, being considered one of the leading states in the enlargement process.
The Republic of Moldova obtained candidate country status in June 2022, officially opened negotiations in June 2024, and completed the bilateral screening process in the fall of 2025, preparing for the opening of negotiation chapters.
