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Britain supports Albania's EU integration process: British Foreign Secretary

Xinhua, November 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed Britain's support for Albania's aspirations to join the European Union during a meeting with Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati on Wednesday.

"I'm here to visit an important NATO partner that has shown commitment to supporting the Alliance regarding security around the world. It is crucial for the NATO members to demonstrate solidarity, if we take into account the last weekend's Paris events," Hammond said.

Hammond commended the Albanian government for its willingness to implement far-reaching reforms, extremely important for the advancement of the country's European integration process.

"The reform in the judiciary is the most important one and we expect this program to yield results in terms of successful prosecution of senior officials for corruption and organized crime. Organized crime hampers the country's potential for economic and social development," he added.

"The rule of law and economic reforms are key to creation of an environment, where business could thrive and foreign investments are encouraged," Hammond said. Enditem