The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has not denied that Serbia has requested the opening of a Consulate General in Shkodra. On the contrary, in his reaction on the social network X, he confirms the existence of the request and hints that it is being considered within the framework of the principle of reciprocity with the Albanian request for the opening of a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley.
"Serbia, for its part, has requested the opening of a Consulate General in Shkodra. If and when the parties agree on every aspect and detail of this process, appropriate actions will be taken at the appropriate time," Hoxha writes.
The statement suggests that the two issues are being addressed as part of the same negotiation process: Albania aims to secure a permanent consular representation in the Presheva Valley, while Serbia seeks the same status in Shkodra.
The minister argues this approach with the principle of reciprocity, emphasizing that it is a common instrument of diplomatic relations and that Albania's main objective remains the creation of a consular presence near the Albanians of the Presheva Valley.
Hoxha's reaction comes after the Serbian Foreign Minister's statement on opening a consulate in Shkodra sparked public debate. Instead of denying this possibility, the Albanian minister confirms that the request exists and that its realization will depend on reaching an agreement between the two countries.
This means that, at least according to the official statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the opening of the Albanian consulate in Presheva and the Serbian one in Shkodra are being addressed in the same negotiating package, on the basis of reciprocity.
