Diplomats gather in Tirana to discuss future of Albanian diplomacy and EU Integration

The Conference of Ambassadors started today in Tirana. Over the next three days, Albanian diplomat, ambassadors and honorary consuls will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Albanian diplomacy, including strategies on security, regional geopolitics, the economy, tourism, culture, and the primary focus: integration into the European Union.
Why it matters
The Conference takes place at a good moment for Albanian diplomacy when the country is more active than ever in its foreign relations and finds itself on the brink of opening its first negotiation chapters with the European Union. A forthcoming amendment to the Foreign Service Law that will set in motion a reformatting of the Foreign Service will also be discussed.
Context
In his address, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the imminent opening of an embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of strengthening regional cooperation. He also revealed plans to open an embassy in Kenya. This new diplomatic post aims to establish much-needed communication on the African continent and support, as declared by the Prime Minister, the finalization of Kosovo’s international status.
Albania’s Foreign Service has undergone significant and positive changes, contributing to the country’s improved image. This transformation is reflected in the increased number of tourists visiting Albania and the fact that major global organizations have chosen to hold high-level meetings in the country. In December 2022, Tirana hosted the EU-Western Balkans leaders’ summit. In October 2023, the Berlin Process summit was held outside EU member states for the first time. Looking ahead, Tirana will host the European Political Community summit in 2025, and NATO has announced that its 2027 summit will be held in the Albanian capital.