Poland backs Albania's efforts to join EU says president

Poland supports Albania's bid to join the European Union, President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday in Tirana after meeting his Albanian counterpart.

The president and his wife, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, are on an official visit to the Balkan country. Duda met Bajram Begaj, the Albanian president, on Thursday.

"Once again, I clearly and distinctly declared Polish support for Albania's efforts to join the European Union," said President Duda.

He added that Albanian membership of the bloc, along with that of Ukraine and Moldova, was one of the priorities of the upcoming Polish EU presidency, which is due to start in the first half of 2025.

The Polish leader thanked Albania for its support for Ukraine, including the presence of Albanian soldiers on Nato's eastern flank.

"I asked the Albania leader to support our efforts to strengthen the presence of the North Atlantic Alliance on Nato's eastern flank," said Duda after his meeting. "This is the most dangerous region of the world, where potential aggression is possible, especially with regard to what is happening in Ukraine and Russia's attitude."