Hungary is fully determined to support Albania’s accession to the European Union as soon as possible, said Prime Minister Viktor Orbán mentionned Friday after talks with his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama.

Orbán told a press conference that Hungary supported Albania’s membership also because the country’s EU membership would serve Hungary’s interests. Without the prospect of Albania’s accession, the security of the continent cannot be guaranteed, either in political or economic terms, he added.

Orbán said he has been working with his Albanian counterpart for a long time, as Rami had won three consecutive elections, which is unique in European politics. The two countries do not have significant differences of opinion in any area and, more importantly, Hungary supports Albania’s accession to the EU, he added.

Commenting on the economic relations, he said that the presence of the Hungarian retail bank OTP in Albania was a flagship of the cooperation. Experience shows that once a large investor enters a country, the others will follow, he added.

Rama thanked Hungary for its support for the European integration of Albania. Hungarians and Albanians have a friendship that goes back many years and cooperation between the two countries needs to be further strengthened, he added. He also said that Albania plans to work with Hungary not only to strengthen economic ties but also in the fields of education and culture.

featured image via Szilárd Koszticsák / MTI