On December 13, 2024, a meeting of the Partnership Commission and political directors of the Adriatic Charter (A5) was held in Tirana, marking the conclusion of Albania's chairmanship of this initiative. The meeting was characterized by discussions on A5's achievements and perspectives in its third decade of operation, as well as on strengthening cooperation in combating hybrid threats in the region. The importance of cooperation among member states and NATO’s open-door policy was once again emphasized.
Croatia was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Zlatko Kramarić and Marta Grubišić, Counselor at the Croatian Embassy in Tirana, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
In his address, Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani reflected on Albania's activities and achievements during its A5 chairmanship in 2024. He highlighted that Albania, facing challenges such as war on European soil, global upheavals, hybrid threats, and malign influences from so-called third countries, particularly in the Western Balkans, adopted a proactive approach. Albania initiated the strengthening of the political dimension of the Charter to deepen cooperation in addressing current security challenges.
Ambassador Kramarić congratulated Minister Hasani on the successful chairmanship of A5 and thanked him for the efforts made to improve cooperation within this initiative. He also wished Bosnia and Herzegovina much success in chairing A5 in 2025. He underscored Croatia’s commitment to NATO’s open-door policy and its support for aspirants in implementing necessary reforms and meeting conditions for full membership in the Alliance. He emphasized the importance of A5, which has played a key role in the past two decades in bringing Southeast Europe closer to NATO standards.
Ambassador Kramarić stressed the need for stronger cooperation and better coordination within A5, particularly concerning Western Balkan issues. He added that Croatia supports an inclusive approach, in line with the Charter's provisions, and inclusiveness for all willing to contribute to regional stability and security. Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Kramarić highlighted that Russia's aggression against Ukraine has had a profound impact on Europe and the geopolitical position of NATO and the European Union. For the Western Balkans, he stated, it is time to transform uncertainty into real regional opportunities and a solid Euro-Atlantic perspective. In this context, Croatia will continue its efforts to preserve stability, support reforms, and promote the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the upcoming chair of A5 in 2025, announced its focus on further strengthening political coordination among members. In the context of thenew geopolitical reality, the need to improve cooperation mechanisms to jointly address current security threats and challenges was emphasized.
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