The MARRI Regional Forum of Ministers of Interior/Security, held on 24 June 2025 in Tirana, marked the conclusion of the MARRI Presidency-in-Office by the Republic of Albania (July 2024 – June 2025) and the beginning of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s yearlong chairmanship of the Initiative.
Alongside the MARRI delegations, representatives of partner organisations and diplomatic missions also attended the meeting. The MARRI Regional Forum provided na opportunity to the MARRI Participants to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation and regional ownership.
In his welcoming remarks, the Deputy Minister of Interior of the Republic of Albania Besfort Lamallari, highlighted MARRI’s relevance as a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation, stating that “the close collaboration among MARRI Participants has been and remains essential to achieve international and European standards in the field of migration, asylum, border control, the fight against trafficking in human beings, as well as in the integration and return of refugees”. He stressed Albania’s focus during its Presidency on implementing adopted policies, advancing key projects, and building institutional capacities. Deputy Minister Lamallari expressed confidence that Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its experience and commitment, will continue this path with dedication and successfully address the future challenges and priorities of the Forum.
The Deputy Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ivica Bosnjak, emphasized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strong belief in supporting regional structures like MARRI that enable coordinated and comprehensive approaches to security and migration challenges. He encouraged stronger collective efforts to boost MARRI’s recognition, influence, and strategic relevance through active engagement with EU institutions, international organizations, and partners. As for the Priorities and Annual Plan of Activities of the incoming Presidency-in-Office, Deputy Minister Bosnjak informed that are focusing on regional alignment with global migration trends, stronger regional coordination, and a human-rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to migration governance.
MARRI RC Acting Director Simona Krstevska reported on the Centre’s activities and initiatives under the Albanian Presidency-in-Office. She mentioned that although the reporting cycle has unfolded under two leaderships, the Centre has remained steadfast in pursuing the priorities defined by the Albanian Presidency-in-Office and in responding to the evolving dynamics of migration management in the region.
The MARRI Participants commended Albania for the successful completion of its one-year term as Presidency-in-Office, highlighting its effective implementation of their priorities and planned activities. They expressed unanimous support for continued efforts to strengthen MARRI and enhance the functioning of its Regional Centre through sustained joint engagement.
The Forum adopted the MARRI RC Annual Report July 2024 – June 2025, MARRI RC Financial Report for 2024, MARRI RC Budget for July 2025 – June 2025, Priorities and Plan of Activities of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Residency-in-Office as well as the Tirana Declaration, which reflects the political commitment of the MARRI Participants to strengthened cooperation and joint responses to regional migration challenges. The documents were harmonised during the regular session of the MARRI Committee on 23 June 2025 in Tirana, led by Antonela Dhimolea, Chair of the Albanian Presidency-in-Office.
With special thanks to Simona Krstevska for the devoted professional efforts, the Forum supported the candidacy of the Republic of North Macedonia and appointed Angela Boranieva as the new Director of the MARRI Regional Centre, effective as of 1 August 2025.