As prepared for delivery
Your Excellency, Ms. Shyti, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania (P),
Your Excellency Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović of Montenegro,
Distinguished Executive Director Gjergj Murra of Western Balkans Fund,
Executive Director Kapustova Herbičová of International Visegarad Fund,
Esteemed Deputy Ministers, senior officials from the Western Balkan countries, Members of the diplomatic corps, and participants,
On behalf of the Government of Japan as co-sponsor of this symposium, I would like to welcome all to this very meaningful symposium. We are also very pleased that with the great efforts and dedications of the WBF, the symposium is being held again this year, as in previous years. Please allow me to express my sincere respect and appreciation to all those involved in the tireless preparations.
[ Significance of this Symposium and the Role of the WBF]
Distinguished guests,
Since we note the importance of the role and contribution of the diaspora in the economic and social development progress of the Western Balkan countries and the region, as well as in their efforts towards EU accession, we welcome the timely discussion of this subject at this year’s Symposium.
We understand that the WBF, which promotes reconciliation and cooperation within the Western Balkans region through projects encouraging people-to-people exchanges, intends to launch the #LEAD BALKANS initiative through this Symposium. It is also hoped that the lively discussions at this Symposium will foster networking between young leaders in the region and the diaspora. Furthermore, by utilizing networks with the diaspora, it is anticipated that opportunities will be created to effectively manage the outward migration and transform the diaspora into a driving force for regional cooperation and sustainable development within the region.
[ The Japanese Government’s Involvement]
Distinguished participants,
The Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative was launched by former Prime Minister Abe in 2018. Under this initiative, Japan has been supporting socio-economic reforms in Western Balkan countries towards their EU accession, while also implementing various measures to support reconciliation and cooperation within the Western Balkans region. Our support for the WBF in connection with this symposium is one of the concrete measures under this initiative.
I understand that this year marks the 10th anniversary of WBF. On the occasion of the kick-off event organized by Montenegro, as this year’s Presidency, Ambassador Seiichiro Taguchi in charge of Western Balkans in Tokyo, attended the said event last week. Prior to this, Ambassador Taguchi also visited Albania, where he visited the headquarters of RYCO which promotes youth exchanges for regional reconciliation and cooperation, and also takes part in this year’s symposium. These visits demonstrate Japan’s concrete commitment to reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
Let me also mention that this symposium is attended not only by my colleagues from our Embassy in Albania, but also by a colleague from our Embassy in the Republic of Kosovo.
Furthermore, let me introduce that in December 2025, I awarded the Ambassador’s Commendation to the WBF and RYCO for their contributions, through cooperation with Japan, to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the Western Balkans. These demonstrate how Japan is committed to cooperate with the Western Balkans in their efforts for reconciliation and cooperation within the region.
[ Concluding Remarks]
Before concluding, I would like to express my sincere hope that the lively and constructive discussions at this Symposium, involving young leaders from the region, experts from other European countries including V4 countries as well as from the different continent, and young leaders from the diaspora, will foster good cooperation between the various actors in the Western Balkans and the diaspora. A sound coordination among the relevant actors will form a firm basis for trust building within the region as well as for a platform of sharing expertise, thereby creating a stronger foundation for regional integration and harmony.
I wish you great success at the symposium and good networking through this wonderful occasion.
Thank you.
