Ferit Hoxha Responds to Possible Opening of Serbian Consulate in Shkodër

The debate sparked by the Serbian foreign minister’s statement about the possibility of establishing a Serbian consulate in Shkodër has prompted a response from the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha. He made it clear that Albania’s priority is to open an Albanian Consulate General in the Presheva Valley.

Hoxha said that Albania’s request for a permanent consular mission in the Presheva Valley was submitted some time ago, while the Serbian side has requested permission to open a Consulate General in Shkodër. According to him, the process can move forward only after the parties agree on every aspect of it.

Speaking about reciprocity, the minister described it as a fundamental principle of diplomatic relations, but stressed that the concept does not imply an automatic alignment of the two countries’ objectives or interests.

According to Hoxha, Albania aims to finally establish a permanent consular presence in the Presheva Valley, which is home to a significant Albanian community and where such a development is overdue. He said that such a mission would bring the Albanian state closer to Albanian citizens, enable it to provide them with more direct support, and help protect their legitimate interests.

The minister criticized reactions that, in his view, have focused on the possible opening of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër while overlooking the benefits that an Albanian diplomatic mission would bring to Albanians in the Presheva Valley.

In his public statement, Hoxha also said that Albanian foreign policy is guided by the national interest, international law, and European values, rather than by perceptions or emotions.

In conclusion, he said this is the standard Albania currently applies and intends to uphold as a future member of the European Union, adding that this approach will be firmly represented in every foreign policy decision.