site.btaWestern Balkans Are Strategic Priority for Italy, Says Italian Foreign Minister Tajani at Corridor VIII Meeting

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said here on Wednesday that the Western Balkans are a strategic priority for Italy and that his country wants to work with the countries of this region for the common growth of economies and the common prosperity of citizens. Tajani participated in a Ministerial Meeting and Economic Forum about Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII in Tirana. 
 
Tajani stated that the countries through which the corridor passes and to which it extends (Italy, Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania) must work hard on this strategic project connecting the Adriatic and Black Sea. He added that Corridor VIII is essential for trade and infrastructure, for European and NATO defence, as well as for EU enlargement.

"The Western Balkans are very, very important for us (Italy), for stability, for peace, for growth, for a stronger Europe," said the Italian Foreign Minister. He stressed that Italy strongly advocates for the accession to the EU of all countries from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro). He announced that Rome will host the next ministerial meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans group in March. 
 
According to Tajani, the meeting in Tirana sends a clear message: "We are united and we will achieve the goal of Corridor VIII." 
 
Albanian Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali said at a press conference after the Ministerial Meeting that this is more than a transport corridor but also serves trade, economy, investment, energy security and mobility.