Tirana, February 23, 2012 NOA/ Rid Bulku – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Edmond Haxhinasto held a meeting with the State Secretary of the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Mr. Peter Maurer. During the meeting they discussed on bilateral relations, regional cooperation and common engagements in international organizations.

Minister Haxhinasto appreciated as excellent the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and the ongoing assistance provided to Albania through the Development Cooperation Program, which features the decentralization projects and professional training that have a direct effect on the community.

The Minister welcomed the active and constructive role that Switzerland plays in the Western Balkan region, both politically and in the economical and security aspect, noa.al news agency reported.

Minister Haxhinasto highlighted the very good cooperation that exists within international organizations, and in this framework, he congratulated Switzerland for taking the rotating chairmanship of the OSCE for 2014, assuring full support of Albania to priorities set by her during this mandate.

Secretary Maurer shared the same appreciation for the very good relations between the two countries, noting that the joint commitment is evident even in the framework of the international peacekeeping operations, indicator of common interests and approaches facing the global security challenges. In this context he expressed condolences to Captain Feti Vogli, who fell in the line of duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Secretary Maurer noted that the policy of security and stability has been the major reason that has impelled the deep involvement of Switzerland also in the Western Balkan region through political and economic engagement, as well as through the area of security.

Furthermore they discussed on the economic cooperation and increasing interest of Swiss investors to be present in Albania, and in this framework it was agreed to develop, as soon as possible, the joint economic commission which will investigate specific areas with mutual interest. In the end, they agreed on the exchange of mutual support of candidatures in the framework of the UN and its agencies.

r.b/NOA