Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman
of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, suggests
setting up a Commission for Economic Cooperation between Ukraine and Albania
headed by the government representatives from both states.
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Jozefina Topalli, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament. It was the first meeting of the parliament speakers in the history of Ukrainian-Albanian relations.
Participants of the meeting discussed strengthening of inter-parliamentary and economic cooperation.
In particular, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed his interest in fostering systemic relations between Ukraine and Albania. He stated that visits of the parliament speakers could boost cooperation. In this context, V.Lytvyn invited J.Topalli to make an official visit to Ukraine. The Speaker of the Albanian Parliament also invited the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to visit Albania. She deems necessary to take practical steps in the form of economic terms and investments, as Albania is concerned with attracting businesses, not only tourists.
V.Lytvyn deems necessary to boost the relations between the committees of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the National Assembly of Albania, setting up the parliamentary groups of friendship. The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament stated that Albania is a key partner for Ukraine, and their relations bear a great potential in the economic, humanitarian and political aspects. He expressed his gratitude for the resolution of the Albanian Government to simplify the visa regime for the Ukrainian citizens, which will foster business and cultural cooperation between the nations.
V.Lytvyn stressed that foreign political strategy of Ukraine is aimed at the highest economic results, which is a key factor in the cooperation with Albania. He expects the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation, which is to be signed shortly, to become an important pre-requisite for the further development of Ukrainian-Albanian relations.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine suggested setting up a Commission for Economic Cooperation between Ukraine and Albania headed by the government representatives from both states. He believes that such inter-state institutions prove their economic efficiency. He deems necessary to foster cooperation between the government, parliaments and regions. "It is essential to realize the humanitarian potential and the capacities of the science and education," V.Lytvyn stated.
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament considers cooperation within the international parliamentary organizations to be an underlying factor of successful inter-parliamentary cooperation. He is interested in studying Albania´s experience of European integration. V.Lytvyn wished Albania to acquire a full membership in the EU.