(ANSA) - TIRANA, OCTOBER 15 - "At the EU Council, I will firmly defend Italy's stance in favor of the opening of negotiations, a better tool to support the growth of Albania and in the interest of Italy and the EU," said Italy's premier Giuseppe Conte at the joint press conference with his counterpart Edi Rama. "Albania is being asked for courageous reforms, it is understandable that there should be a clear path", explained the premier confirming Italy's support even for the start of negotiations for Northern Macedonia.

"We are satisfied with the Italian stance on Albania - continued the Prime Minister, we are the first trading partner, with a trade that in the first half of 2019 reached 1.2 billion, but the ambition is to do even better and more, and I know that our companies are willing to grow their presence here, and hope for the so-called "business climate" and Italy will always be by the side of Tirana. I am convinced that Albania has not yet fully exploited its growth potential." "I confirmed to Rama that even in the field of education and research we want to strengthen our relationship, favoring the return to the country of origin of the students who choose Italy for higher education. This issue is crucial for them.".

The Albanian Prime Minister thanked Italy. "In full coherence with what was the core of Italian foreign policy - he said - the country never brought into question its support for Albania and North Macedonia within the prospect of EU integration." "Albania and North Macedonia have already done their homework and deserve it. Negotiations without conditions. The EU's decision is strategic for the whole community." (ANSA).