On 2nd and 3rd March 2021, Ms. Laura Lungarotti, the Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans and IOM Chief of Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited Albania.

During her visit in Tirana Ms. Lungarotti, together with IOM Albania HoO, Ms. Alma Jani, met with UN Resident Coordinator in Albania, Ms. Fiona McCluney; UNHCR Representative, Mr. Pablo Zabata and with high representatives from the Government of Albania: State Minister for Diaspora, Mr. Pandeli Majko; Deputy Minister of Ministry of Interior, Mr. Andi Mahila; Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection, Mr. Albert Nikolla; Secretary General of Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Armand Skapi and the Director of CVE Coordination Centre, Ms. Lejdi Dervishi. 

During her visit, Ms. Lungarotti also met with donor representatives in Albania. In her meeting with Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Albania, Mr. Mario Mariani, the discussions focused on opportunities for further boosting migration governance in the country. During the meeting with the Head of Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in the Western Balkans a particular focus was given to the contribution of the Albanian Diaspora to the social and economic development of the home country, and in particular on transferring of the of know-how to support Albania in the EU integration process as well Connect Albania investment boosting mechanism. A joint meeting was also held with representatives from EU Delegation, USA Embassy, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who support the efforts of multiple stakeholders in the Western Balkans to prevent radicalization and support the resilience, prevention and reintegration.

“The Western Balkans Countries share many similarities in terms of migration dynamics, challenges as well as development potential of migration and Diaspora to the countries of origin. This visit to Albania is another confirmation on the value of capitalizing on these dynamics and further strengthening synergies among Western Balkan countries through tailored IOM programming. The excellent cooperation that IOM enjoys with the stakeholders in the countries of the region is a solid basis to further develop joint actions and make use of best practices” noted Ms. Lungarotti during the meeting with IOM Mission in Albania. 

The excellent cooperation between IOM and the Government of Albania entities in support of the efforts towards a better migration governance was highlighted in all the meetings with government counterparts. The need for cooperation and partnership both at strategic and operational level, trying to improve the management of the multidimensional migration dynamics of Albania as a country of origin, transit and destination of migrants was emphasized.

Throughout all the meetings, Ms. Jani confirmed IOM Albania’s commitment to support the Albanian stakeholders in further addressing migration related challenges for the benefit of both migrants and society.   

During her mission in the Western Balkans, Ms. Lungarotti also visited Montenegro and North Macedonia.