On 3 June 2014, in the framework of the Austrian Presidency, the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Central European Initiative (CEI) member states was held in Vienna.

This meeting was attended by foreign ministers of 18 member countries, high level guests of the European Commission as well as a number of organizations and institutions active in the region.

In his speech, Minister Bushati, after reiterating the will of the Albanian Government for good neighborly relations and comprehensive cooperation with member countries of the Central European Initiative, underlined our readiness to actively participate in the organization's projects and activities, in priority areas such as transport, energy, tourism, culture, environmental protection, etc.

In the context of preparations for the 25th anniversary of CEI, Mr. Bushati stated that this should serve as a moment of reflection to identify what has been achieved and determine the way in which to proceed in the future. Albania, he noted, remains committed to providing its contribution during this process.

While hailing the priorities and contributions of the Austrian Presidency, Mr. Bushati welcomed the invitation made to Kosovo representatives for attending the meeting, considering this as a step in the right direction to accomplish, in practice, the principle of all-inclusiveness in regional cooperation.

During the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Central European Initiative (CEI) member states, a political declaration was adopted. The statement underlined that ministers welcome a positive decision of the European Council in June, regarding the candidate country status for Albania.