(ANSA) - BRUXELLES - Albania keeps playing a "vital and constructive role in the region" of the Western Balkans by fostering internal cooperation, EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, told journalists at the end of the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Council in Brussels.

Tirana's role in promoting co-operation is "something we appreciate and value enormously," as well as "we appreciate enormously the full convergence on foreign and security policy" between Albania and the EU: "it's one hundred percent," head of EU diplomacy said. This convergence also reflects "the common vision of the world and of our region," as well as "our common determination to work together, not only on the European integration path but also on what we can do together on the international scene," Mogherini added.

During the Council, the EU delegates highlighted the "significant" progress made by Tirana on the five key priorities set by Brussels for the opening of accession negotiations and, notably, the country's commitment to the implementation of the justice reform - including an international vetting process of the composition of the country's judicial body - and to the fight against corruption, organised crime and drug trafficking.

"I am convinced that Albania can use, and will use, the next six months to make key progress" towards the EU, Mogherini added.

During the first six months of 2018, Bulgaria will chair the presidency of the European Council and Western Balkans' EU integration process is on top of the agenda. (ANSA).