Albanian President Ilir Meta called today a meeting of the National Security Council, following the situation between Russia and Ukraine.

Premier Edi Rama and Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka, who are on a 4-day visit to the United States, will not attend the meeting.

The Albanian Foreign Ministry has asked Russia to reduce tensions on the border with Ukraine, emphasizing that it stands by Ukraine.

Through a press release, the Foreign Ministry urges Russian President Putin to resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels and respect Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.