Greece and Albania have referred their maritime border dispute regarding the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, whilst at the same time pledging to open a new chapter in their bilateral relations.
Speaking at the online public discussion “Albania & Greece relations-What do citizens think”, held by the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) on Tuesday, Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias proclaimed a new chapter in relations with its northern neighbour, highlighting the mutually agreed decision to settle their maritime dispute in a civilised manner.
"This decision is exemplary as to how important issues can be resolved when both parties focus on observing International Law and good neighbourly relations," he noted.
Dendias also referred to the historical ties between Greece and Albania, and to the contribution of the Greek ethnic minority in Albania and also of Albanian citizens living and prospering in Greece "in establishing a solid bridge of friendship between the two countries."
Finally, he reiterated that Greece supports Albania's European perspective, and mentioned the donation of 20,000 vaccines against Covid-19.
Participants in the online forum included the following:
Nikos Dendias,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Greece
Maklen Misha,
Adviser, Ministry for European and Foreign Affairs of Albania
Alexandros Bouzis,
Head of Public Diplomacy Office,
Embassy of Greece
Andi Dobrushi,
Regional Coordinator for Western Balkans Foundations & Executive Director,
Open Society Foundation Albania (OSFA)
George Pagoulatos,
Director General,
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Presentation of Findings from Albania and Greece:
Ioannis Armakolas,
Senior Research Fellow,
Head, South-East Europe Programme, ELIAMEP
Angelos Athanasopoulos,
Editor-in-Chief, Politics, To Vima
Alketa Berzani,
former Executive Director,
Data Centrum Research Institute
Blendi Kajsiu,
Assistant Professor at Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
Moderator:
Alexandra Voudouri,
Correspondent of diplomatic affairs at Athina 9,84fm;
Editor at MacroPolis
READ: A "Greek Park" in the heart of Albania - Greek City Times