1 00:00:00,510 --> 00:00:12,240 Thank you very much for coming here, and thank you for the very nice words I found. 2 00:00:13,590 --> 00:00:19,470 Most of them not always the most pleasant. 3 00:00:21,750 --> 00:00:30,360 And I'm very pleased to be here in this great city of learning where so many of. 4 00:00:32,510 --> 00:00:45,049 This country's finest sons and daughters have been educated from where some of the greatest writing community is in the regions we once were. 5 00:00:45,050 --> 00:00:45,650 Also, 6 00:00:46,580 --> 00:00:59,210 many successful Albanians who studied and are studying contributed then in our country or in all the fields and places they think they can add value. 7 00:00:59,360 --> 00:01:09,500 Anyone with the knowledge, an admirer of Britain and the beginnings of friendship for each time I come to them, 8 00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:20,989 which is quite often I meet members of the Albanian communities who are also to hear 9 00:01:20,990 --> 00:01:29,540 their stories of the great opportunities and the welcome that was given to them. 10 00:01:29,960 --> 00:01:41,870 Many having arrived also includes persecution, and so we do not forget the supports Britain has provided to our region. 11 00:01:42,770 --> 00:01:50,390 Then at many other times, you know, us being out is changing. 12 00:01:50,930 --> 00:02:03,220 Just as the Balkans are changing in this year, years from the First World War, there will be many reminders or hopefully this epic story, 13 00:02:03,890 --> 00:02:10,190 a war that started in our region and spread to TV screens and the slaughter of millions. 14 00:02:11,180 --> 00:02:16,250 War and love stories are the themes of so much of our history. 15 00:02:17,310 --> 00:02:21,210 Britain, Europe's fight to keep the Nazis moving. 16 00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:29,550 Albania playing its part to not least in protecting the Jewish people in our midst, particularly to. 17 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:35,480 So now today 2014 rather than 1914. 18 00:02:36,050 --> 00:02:41,360 For all of the changes challenges we face, the world is in so many ways better, 19 00:02:42,260 --> 00:02:47,150 safer for most, more prosperous, with greater opportunities for all of us. 20 00:02:48,080 --> 00:02:58,070 And believe that much of the credit for that must go to institutions which have been built on the backs of the millions killed in those awful wars. 21 00:02:58,490 --> 00:03:04,650 The UN, which I was proud to Israel's Prime Minister 14 weeks ago, 22 00:03:04,850 --> 00:03:12,530 say the European Union has turned its attention towards our region, particularly during past conflicts. 23 00:03:13,160 --> 00:03:17,020 We all together vagrants, Serbians, migrants, 24 00:03:17,170 --> 00:03:27,890 stones and all other people of the region should turn our eyes on the EU for projects related to our development for a better and prosperous future, 25 00:03:28,840 --> 00:03:36,710 which holds that the war in Kosovo has won the battle to keep Europe free and peaceful for much of its existence. 26 00:03:37,430 --> 00:03:43,580 And the European Union, of course, which whatever annoyances may cause national space at the current time, 27 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:49,550 has been a force for peace, also a force for prosperity, a force for good. 28 00:03:50,540 --> 00:04:00,200 It is to sing the praises of the EU. If I speak to you today, it is also emphasised the need for the EU to have a strong UK at its heart. 29 00:04:00,890 --> 00:04:08,390 And it is to restate that one of my growth road conditions will be in the Balkans 30 00:04:09,800 --> 00:04:15,590 that we to become is the resources become part of this great force for good. 31 00:04:16,430 --> 00:04:19,550 I know that you will be good for the Balkans. 32 00:04:19,730 --> 00:04:22,850 They believe the Balkans can be good for the EU. 33 00:04:23,540 --> 00:04:28,780 I know the EU will be good for Albania, I believe will be good for you. 34 00:04:29,570 --> 00:04:35,150 I know Britain has been good for you and I hope Britain continues to do so. 35 00:04:36,200 --> 00:04:46,850 It is interesting for me as the Prime Minister from above, where the desire to join the EU is so strong and to come to one of Europe's major powers. 36 00:04:46,910 --> 00:04:56,900 The debate is about leaving and I think if you go to these first side contradictory aspirations between aspiring Balkans and the reluctant, 37 00:04:57,710 --> 00:05:06,710 reluctant European major borrower, it is important to explain why we need a strong EU and why I believe we need to be partners. 38 00:05:07,490 --> 00:05:15,230 The first important blow against constitutional being fought in the early nineties, one year after the fall of the Berlin Wall. 39 00:05:16,070 --> 00:05:22,550 Student activism and mass movements pushed the single party's leadership to legalise our political parties. 40 00:05:23,090 --> 00:05:27,290 It was the end of dictatorship. Back then, in the early nineties. 41 00:05:27,590 --> 00:05:31,330 One of the main slogans with protesters, a majority of whom had. 42 00:05:31,420 --> 00:05:36,120 Never travelled to Europe or anywhere outside the country was. 43 00:05:36,120 --> 00:05:46,770 We want to be here to be like Europe. But the lack of political stability, the experience of the political class and most importantly, 44 00:05:47,070 --> 00:05:54,210 I think it was only the crisis that hit the country, made the gap between living in Europe wider and widening. 45 00:05:54,960 --> 00:06:02,070 The widening of the gap to bigger was the political rhetoric around Europe as a dream, Europe as a destination. 46 00:06:02,730 --> 00:06:06,870 The true reason why it is it was growing, I believe, 47 00:06:06,870 --> 00:06:16,080 was the fact that we were rowing desperately towards Europe without realising that we first needed to build Europe as home. 48 00:06:19,390 --> 00:06:24,470 Seems to me as an Albanian, as a citizen, as an artist, as well as prime minister. 49 00:06:24,490 --> 00:06:31,960 Europe is not a destination external across Europe should be, and Europe is a destination within us. 50 00:06:32,740 --> 00:06:37,510 The first and most important reason why the Balkans needs a strong view and needs to 51 00:06:37,510 --> 00:06:43,450 be part of this are the founding values of the EU and what they represent today. 52 00:06:45,310 --> 00:06:48,010 I love to read supporting political news. 53 00:06:48,430 --> 00:06:58,810 I follow a lot of politics here in Britain and what they realise is how little politicians here use the word democracy, meaning we use it a lot. 54 00:06:59,530 --> 00:07:03,670 They think we are also other EU member countries that use the bloc as well. 55 00:07:04,540 --> 00:07:10,050 But I guess here in Britain one can feel that democracy a lot more than it will be. 56 00:07:10,810 --> 00:07:18,070 So going back to the values, democracy, for instance, is something that we need to feel and not just a whisper. 57 00:07:18,850 --> 00:07:25,630 Functioning state institutions would ensure liberties, equal opportunities, a strong civil society, 58 00:07:26,260 --> 00:07:31,060 an independent and fair justice system, probably administration immune from corruption. 59 00:07:31,660 --> 00:07:36,040 These are all European values we first need to build at home. 60 00:07:36,850 --> 00:07:41,140 This is why for Albania and I also think for other Balkan countries. 61 00:07:41,860 --> 00:07:47,560 The EU is a crucial political objective is also exactly the reason why, 62 00:07:48,190 --> 00:07:58,990 when in opposition we put EU integration at the heart of our Renaissance programme while the government is our number one priority. 63 00:07:59,800 --> 00:08:12,330 I know from my own position in my own country that sometimes it is possible to get so close the to the frustration of political life as human beings, 64 00:08:12,340 --> 00:08:18,130 the EU, the irritants that you lose sight of an important bigger picture. 65 00:08:18,700 --> 00:08:25,810 These are very frustrations and period patience in any large bureaucracy, and Europe's bureaucracy is larger than most. 66 00:08:26,590 --> 00:08:34,990 Moreover, we are aware there is a long way to go before the European Union displays its unity in many crucial aspects. 67 00:08:35,470 --> 00:08:42,690 While member countries have to face challenging challenges related to the varying quality of democracy, 68 00:08:43,090 --> 00:08:52,930 the nature and meaning of citizenship and national rules in the face of wide scale migration and the viability of a European single currency. 69 00:08:53,560 --> 00:09:00,910 But let us never forget that these are the basic points I tried to make earlier. 70 00:09:01,390 --> 00:09:11,560 For a continent so largely shaped by war, Western European nations, the post-war European settlement which led to the EU and has seen it grow, 71 00:09:11,890 --> 00:09:21,320 is partly responsible for the relative peace and prosperity that Europe continues to enjoy and look the history of old blood Europe. 72 00:09:22,120 --> 00:09:32,650 And you can look back as far as to the pre Westphalia peace in 1648 and then go through the possibility of conflicts in the Balkans. 73 00:09:33,190 --> 00:09:36,850 Peace and prosperity are achievements beyond borders. 74 00:09:38,140 --> 00:09:46,990 Thus, my country's determination to join the EU is related to our will to contribute to the success of a brilliant international project. 75 00:09:47,530 --> 00:09:54,339 The European Union that already contributes to the prosperity of millions creates a more open societies, 76 00:09:54,340 --> 00:10:01,040 and pulling us to a more equal world was never considered getting involved in politics. 77 00:10:01,350 --> 00:10:07,800 I would so to state especially one as independent and rich in history and political culture in yours. 78 00:10:08,290 --> 00:10:19,330 I'm sure that I know the law and hoping that if ever there is a referendum to decide whether the UK stays in the EU of British people decide to stay. 79 00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:25,120 It is for you to decide if Britain is stronger inside or outside the EU. 80 00:10:25,630 --> 00:10:30,460 But I am in no doubt that the EU is stronger with Britain inside. 81 00:10:31,450 --> 00:10:40,870 I hope that as well, being able to use this inner journey of progress and change in order to achieve EU integration in Britain will be always with us, 82 00:10:41,560 --> 00:10:44,710 as it has always been pushing us to the right direction, 83 00:10:45,340 --> 00:10:53,380 recognising all our positive efforts, such as our determined fight against organised crime and endemic corruption, 84 00:10:53,770 --> 00:11:03,270 our efforts to improve security, to innovate and progress, but also warning where we need to go further and faster. 85 00:11:04,090 --> 00:11:08,800 The same spirit encouraging you to share your views on us. 86 00:11:09,340 --> 00:11:12,820 I hope you do not mind if we share our views on you. 87 00:11:13,450 --> 00:11:17,830 Britain is a major power. The power and can be used for the good of all. 88 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:26,650 We have much to learn from this power while we are taking all the required steps to be considered for membership. 89 00:11:27,430 --> 00:11:34,210 Steps that we take with great awareness that our day to day actions, particularly as decision makers, 90 00:11:34,540 --> 00:11:41,770 affect the life and opportunities of people today, as well as the generations of tomorrow, the next generations of Europe. 91 00:11:42,640 --> 00:11:54,150 We have undoubtedly made considerable progress and despite these few strong ones, we reject them and the of being born into poverty. 92 00:11:56,200 --> 00:12:04,959 We continue to work hard for this despite the supports and guidance of the EU and our other partners, 93 00:12:04,960 --> 00:12:10,150 particularly United States as well as many other developed countries organisations. 94 00:12:10,540 --> 00:12:19,810 Albania has been slow in achieving sustainable democratic transformations in recent years, something we are determined to improve on. 95 00:12:20,530 --> 00:12:26,050 We are committed to make all the required steps in order to obtain the country's status. 96 00:12:26,440 --> 00:12:34,900 We are always keeping in mind that EU integration is not just a destination, it is a set of values and standards. 97 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:40,240 We need to first build at home and the head of a very new governments, 98 00:12:40,720 --> 00:12:45,950 not only in terms of having been recently elected to power to governmental entities, 99 00:12:45,970 --> 00:12:50,510 a new one also in relation from a very young age for our ministers. 100 00:12:51,130 --> 00:12:56,110 We also have the highest number of women ministers in Cabinet who have been ever heard. 101 00:12:56,110 --> 00:12:59,840 Perhaps most of our ministers have studied abroad. 102 00:13:00,590 --> 00:13:02,380 A few of them here in Britain. 103 00:13:02,980 --> 00:13:12,520 They came back to Albania with fresh ideas, new perspectives and lots of courage to deliver change and bring renaissance to our country. 104 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:22,270 That being said, I'm fully aware that we cannot keep along this journey with regional cooperation is a key factor in 105 00:13:22,270 --> 00:13:29,320 integration process and to ensure successful integration and contribute to a future for the EU. 106 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:34,510 We are committed to work as hard as we can with all our neighbours. 107 00:13:35,440 --> 00:13:43,240 2014 is a crucial year for the Balkans. On one hand, it is the first year since Balkans exist. 108 00:13:43,840 --> 00:13:50,170 It comes without conflict. On the other, we need to make the most out of peace we have managed to achieve. 109 00:13:51,070 --> 00:13:54,790 We live in a world where information is probably the first to speak. 110 00:13:55,780 --> 00:14:03,910 Social media is playing a crucial role not only in getting people to over and ignoring the borders, but also in organising people together. 111 00:14:04,660 --> 00:14:13,450 In the Balkans, same as in the EU, the young generation is eager to have a more prosperous future now that the dark shadows of war have disappeared. 112 00:14:13,480 --> 00:14:17,080 Our new generation needs to see the light of hope. 113 00:14:17,860 --> 00:14:22,090 They need to get better education, better health care, more job opportunities. 114 00:14:22,930 --> 00:14:29,920 Without this new horizons, the future could look dark for all for our young generations. 115 00:14:30,820 --> 00:14:33,220 We together should not around this risk. 116 00:14:33,640 --> 00:14:41,290 We need to give hope not only by running across the road towards Europe, but by building Europe at home prior to the election. 117 00:14:41,950 --> 00:14:48,640 We promised to play a constructive role by encouraging and supporting dialogue and agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. 118 00:14:49,210 --> 00:14:50,620 And we have done so. 119 00:14:52,240 --> 00:15:01,480 And I will be the first Libyan leader to seek to visit Serbia and to do so precisely so we can play our part in healing the scars, 120 00:15:01,810 --> 00:15:10,240 in the role of both wars and conflicts which also new and hope to bring to an end. 121 00:15:10,930 --> 00:15:18,220 This new approach leading to a future of cooperation rather than back on the path of hatred and suspicion, 122 00:15:18,730 --> 00:15:22,720 opens the door to the possibility of a new era for all. 123 00:15:23,890 --> 00:15:30,180 We are actively engaged in regional projects in the fields of energy security, infrastructure, 124 00:15:30,190 --> 00:15:37,840 transport, tourism and of course the job market in which we are taking steps for civilisation. 125 00:15:38,620 --> 00:15:43,030 You may know that before politics I was not present. It was introduced. 126 00:15:43,780 --> 00:15:49,810 So with Parliament speeches and discussions and who knows? 127 00:15:51,880 --> 00:15:55,280 Still, I draw a big smile. 128 00:15:56,380 --> 00:16:04,090 And on today's campus for Grazia, there are flickering brushstrokes of hope and colour as we escape the dark shadows from 129 00:16:04,090 --> 00:16:10,570 past and the hard challenges that all countries face in this very turbulent world. 130 00:16:11,380 --> 00:16:17,080 So opportunities and challenges and really face to face is two equally strong. 131 00:16:18,070 --> 00:16:26,280 Defiance shapes the shape of opportunities the parents face, leading one of the youngest operations in the world. 132 00:16:26,850 --> 00:16:28,320 And it will be the people. 133 00:16:28,740 --> 00:16:39,360 Some of them I had the privilege to know the wonderful nature of these natural resources, particularly in terms of hydroelectric energy. 134 00:16:40,050 --> 00:16:44,580 It contains our historical and cultural treasures unique to timely, 135 00:16:45,210 --> 00:16:50,160 unexploited rural areas, low cost investment, resource, sustainable and highly profitable. 136 00:16:50,850 --> 00:16:59,579 The fascinating geopolitical position of Albania. The sense of the crossing points of many lines, some of them relating to energy, 137 00:16:59,580 --> 00:17:03,750 of others through dialogue between cultures, civilisations and traditions. 138 00:17:04,350 --> 00:17:08,729 What we see is a distinctive presence in this picture. Our leading citizens, 139 00:17:08,730 --> 00:17:15,810 people with survived at the centre of the peoples and living discrimination and who I think now have a strong hope 140 00:17:16,170 --> 00:17:24,510 about sustainable welfare and the regional harmony to what President Kennedy used to refer to as the peace work. 141 00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:31,980 As Prime Minister, this government is not always easy to manage because of social and political constraints. 142 00:17:32,550 --> 00:17:42,180 However, we do work brilliantly with great communities to better and fairer future for our country, our region and Europe. 143 00:17:42,900 --> 00:17:52,140 This is because we are sure that the EU benefits Albania and I can promise with the next generation that will benefit the EU. 144 00:17:53,250 --> 00:17:58,830 You are going to be good for us. We can be good for you. We can all be groups for each other. 145 00:17:59,680 --> 00:17:59,700 Thank.