Foreign Ministers of Iceland and Albania meet

Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Össur Skarphedinsson, met with the Foreign Minister of Albania, Lulzim Basha, on February 12 during his visit to Iceland to discuss NATO’s enlargement process as well as energy issues. Minister Basha also visisted the Parliament and the National Power Company, Landsvirkjun.

Albania and Croatia hope to become full members of NATO at the NATO summit this April, following an invite last year to begin accession talks to join the Alliance. On 9 July 2008, Albania signed a protocol of accession to NATO and 20 out of 26 memeber countries have finalized ratification. During the meeting, Minister Skarphéðinsson, informed his colleague that he had presented a parliamentary resolution Tuesday regarding Albania´s and Croatia´s accession to NATO.

During their meeting the ministers also discussed issues facing small States and energy issues. Minister Skarphedinsson encouraged his colleague to take advantage of Iceland’s knowledge regarding renewable energy.