TIRANA, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Albania deserves to start accession negotiation with the European Union (EU), President of the European Council Donald Tusk said here on Tuesday at a press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Tusk, who paid a short visit to Tirana on Tuesday, praised the reforms undertaken by the Albanian government and stressed that the country deserved to start accession negotiations with the EU.

Tusk said there can be no stable Europe without the integration of the Balkans into the EU.

"The EU should open negotiations with Albania and I have not changed my mind and continue to be of the same opinion. Your country should be treated the same as other countries in the region. There will be no stable Europe without the integration of all the Balkans into the EU," Tusk said.

According to Tusk, in June the EU heads of members committed themselves to give a clear opinion on whether or not to open negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia in October this year, adding that "We are getting closer and closer to this moment."

Moreover, Tusk told reporters that during the meeting with Rama they also discussed the importance for Albania to maintain a solid history in relation to the fight against corruption and organized crime, like the rule of law.

In his speech, Rama thanked Tusk for the role he has played in Albania's integration process.

"I am pleased to underline the clarity with which President Tusk has always spoken in relation to the accession process and to appreciate his constant efforts as an advocate of the enlargement process and rapprochement of the Western Balkans, specifically for Albania and North Macedonia into the EU," Rama said. Enditem

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