Diplomatic reshuffle in Pristina and Skopje as Denion Meidani and Petrit Malaj swap posts

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has revived the proposal to change Albania’s ambassadors in two neighboring countries in the region, Kosovo and North Macedonia.

A member of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs told Top Channel journalist Muhamed Veliu that two hearings related to a diplomatic reshuffle are expected to be held by the committee on October 9.

Albania’s current ambassador in Skopje, Denion Meidani, is expected to be heard by the committee after being nominated to head the Albanian Embassy in Pristina.

Meanwhile, Petrit Malaj, who has served as Albania’s ambassador to Kosovo for three years, will present his platform for the post of ambassador in Skopje.

The accompanying memorandum from Minister Ferit Hoxha, which would explain the reason for this change in Albania’s diplomatic missions in Pristina and Skopje, has not yet been made public.

The idea for these moves was first made public in May, after Ambassador Denion Meidani appeared alongside student protests in Skopje.

Afterward, it was reported that Minister Ferit Hoxha had received complaints from the ruling VMRO party and its Albanian ally, VLEN, concerning Meidani’s positions and role during the protests.

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs denied these reports, describing the claims as completely unfounded.

In its response to the media, the ministry stated that diplomatic appointments and moves are decided in accordance with the legislation in force. According to the ministry, these processes are based on professional and institutional assessments, with the aim of using human resources as efficiently as possible and implementing the priorities of Albania’s foreign policy.

The possible changes in Pristina and Skopje are not the only moves being considered in Albania’s diplomatic service.

Last week, the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing with Albania’s ambassador to London, Uran Ferizi, who has been nominated to head Albania’s Mission to the OSCE in Vienna.

Meanwhile, the name of Albania’s new ambassador to the United Kingdom has not yet been decided.