Hungarian president discusses bilateral, regional matters with Albanian counterpart in Tirana

By Fatjon Cuka and Furkan Abdula

TIRANA, Albania (AA) - Hungarian President Katalin Novak visited the Albanian capital city of Tirana on Thursday to discuss bilateral and regional matters with her Albanian counterpart Bajram Begaj.

During a joint press briefing with Begaj, Novak emphasized the importance Hungary places on the swift integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, highlighting its significance for the union's security.

Regarding the ongoing tension in Kosovo, she said Hungary hopes the situation in Kosovo will calm down as soon as possible and that there would be a path towards long-term peace.

Novak and Begaj also discussed on the bilateral economic ties, irregular migration and the war in Ukraine.

"It's important that belligerent parties of the war in Ukraine should seek a negotiated, diplomatic resolution," she said.

Begaj, for his part, emphasized the significance of the support of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

Tensions have gripped Kosovo as Serbs are protesting the election of ethnic Albanian mayors in four municipalities last month in the country's northern municipalities.

On Monday, at least 30 soldiers of the NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) were injured in clashes with Serbs who were protesting and attempting to prevent the newly-elected mayor of Zvecan municipality in northern Kosovo from entering the town hall to take the oath of office and begin official responsibilities.

According to hospital sources, over 53 civilians were also injured by shock bombs and tear gas.

Police in Kosovo also said that at least five people were detained following the clashes.