The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, welcomed the Ambassador of Japan in Tirana, Mitsuyuki Takada, in a courtesy meeting on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of friendship relations between the two countries.

Japan recognized the Albanian government in 1922 through the exchange of Notes between the Foreign Ministers of that time. The Albanian request of recognition by the Government of Japan, signed by Foreign Minister Fan S. Noli, dates back to January 28, 1922, meanwhile, the positive response, signed by the Foreign Minister of the Empire of Japan, Uchida Yasuya, is dated back to April 18, 1922.

In March 10, 1981, the signing of the (re) initiation of our diplomatic relations and the opening of the Embassy of Japan in Tirana, on January 1, 2017, brought a new era of bilateral relations.

During recent years, relations between Albania and Japan have been growing in accordance with the mutual willingness to strengthen fellowship and build as many bridges of communication and cooperation.

Both countries enjoy good cooperation within international organizations, including the UN, where Albania serves as a non-permanent member of the Security Council 2022-2023.

The 100th anniversary of the friendship relations marks a symbolic moment to celebrate and reconfirm the amity between the two countries, as well as the mutual commitment to further develop cooperation in the bilateral and multilateral area, in facing challenges together as friends and allies who share the same values.