Marking the 62nd Anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) welcomed today German and French delegation, led by German Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Karl Bergner and French Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Catherine Suard. Together with Director of GIZ in Albania, Sonia Kurz, GIZ Team leader, Jasmin Valjevac and Director of Agence Française de Développement, Mirela Mata, they paid official visit to RYCO office and engaged in fruitful dialogue with RYCO senior management, mid-management and RYCO employees.
In his welcoming note, RYCO Secretary General, Albert Hani, expressed his satisfaction with the visit organized on this occasion, pointing out that historic agreement- Élysée Treaty- not only solidified the friendship between France and Germany, but also laid the foundation for a model of reconciliation that continues to inspire nations around the world.
“The establishment of RYCO mirrors that spirit in the Western Balkans. Just as Germany and France have institutionalized their friendship and reconciliation, the founding of RYCO by the six contracting parties is a powerful tool for fostering peace and cooperation in the region,” SG Hani stated.
Expressing his appreciation for German and French support to RYCO from the early days of organization’s establishment until now, SG Hani pointed out that example of Franco-German relationship proves that functional, cooperative ties are essential not just for regional success, but for the very essence of the European Union and that the good relationships among the six CPs of the Western Balkans are a testament to the functionality of the EU itself.
“We must remember that the challenges faced by WB6 should not divide them but offer an opportunity to come together through RYCO, to mediate, and to resolve conflicts. This is not about pleasing the international community—it is about assuming our duty to the people of this region, the ones who place us in power, and securing a prosperous and peaceful future for them,” SG Hani said.
On this occasion, SG Hani presented a certificates of appreciation and “RYCO friends” medallions to Ambassadors and GIZ Director and Team Leader, as symbolic way of appreciation for support to our organization.
H.E. Catherine Suard, praised the framework of RYCO as positive outcome of Berlin Process, comparing it with the spirit of Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ), created on the basis of the Élysée Treaty.
She commended the results of the jointly implemented projects, such as RISE and J2R, and expressed positive attitude towards more comprehensive cooperation with RYCO in upcoming period, through existing and new projects and initiatives.
H.E. Karl Bergner stated that Germany has been supporting RYCO’s mission and vision from the beginning, recognizing the importance of reconciliation efforts for integration processes in Western Balkans region. He pointed out that for reconciliation political will is very important, so that people of the region can feel the benefits and go forward in integration processes.
High- official visit also served as an opportunity for Ambassadors and members of French and German Delegation to get more familiar with existing projects, as well as plans for upcoming period. Highlighting some of the major achievements in the previous period, RYCO Head of Programs, Teodora Stolevska, stated that through implementation of activities, RYCO aims to incorporate various aspect, such as education, culture, entrepreneurship, and thus incorporate reconciliation in young people’s lives. In the upcoming period, as she stated, RYCO will strive to bring new initiatives, such as Youth Peace and Security Agenda (YPS), which is part of RYCO’s new Strategic plan for period 2025-2027.
Head of LBO Albania, Kreshnik Loka, presented the work of local branch office, highlighting the importance of bringing regional lens to the local level.
During the office tour, RYCO guests also had opportunity to engage in conversation with Project Managers, Communication Manager, Head of Finances and RYCO employees and learn more about RYCO office life and work.