Hoxha speaks with Gjuriq in Washington, raises issue of Paunoviq’s statements

Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha held a meeting with his Serbian counterpart, Marko Gjuriq, on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting in Washington.

According to Hoxha, the discussion focused on current developments and future prospects. He stressed that he conveyed Albania’s position to Gjuriq regarding statements about the “ethnic cleansing” of Kosovo made by Serbian minister Snezhana Paunoviq.

“I also reiterated Albania’s clear and unwavering position regarding the unacceptable and irresponsible statements recently made by a member of the Serbian Government. I underlined the need to unequivocally reject rhetoric that fuels tensions, undermines stability and regional cooperation, and runs counter to the spirit of good neighbourly relations and European values,” Hoxha stated.

He said this was precisely the role of diplomacy: “to engage in open dialogue, face one another directly, confront reality and address differences responsibly.”

Gjuriq also commented on the meeting on X, but did not mention that the Albanian side had raised the issue of Paunoviq’s statements.

“Continued engagement in political dialogue remains essential to ensuring the stability and prosperity of the region, as I stressed during my conversation with Albania’s Foreign Minister, Ferit Hoxha, on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting in Washington. We also identified further opportunities to advance our bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Gjuriq wrote.