Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati was present at the inauguration of the Honorary Consulate of Austria in Vlora.

“The opening of this consulate, which will cover the South of Albania after opening the consulate in Shkodra, covering the North, comes at the right moment when we need to further consolidate not only the diplomatic relations, but above all human relations with Austria” – said Minister Bushati during his greeting speech – not forgetting that the Albanian cradle of intellectuals and intellectual thinking began to be shaped thanks to the Austrian support for education.”

Expansion of diplomatic presence with the Honorary Consulate of Austria in Vlora is of particular importance in terms of enhancing cooperation and intensification of economic relations, “taking in consideration the still unexploited opportunities offered by Vlora and the new ambitious projects that the Albanian Government intends to implement in Vlora, as well as geostrategic projects like TAP, Corridor VIII and the emergence and exercise of our activity in the Adriatic and Ionian, has a considerable impact on the Mediterranean, not only economical but political and human impact as well”, underlined Minister Bushati.

“If you know how to wait, the right time will come’”, as people from Vlora use to say” – said the Austrian Ambassador Johan Sattler in his opening remarks. “I believe we’ve waited enough. With the new consulate of honor, we want to continue what we started 106 years ago. Let’s bring our countries, people and cultures closer to each other. This consulate will be in the service of the ever-growing number of Austrian tourists who come to visit the wonderful coasts of Ionian and Southern Albania, as well as Austrian businesses who are interested in this part of Albania. ”

In addition to the Honorary Consulate of Bulgaria, now Vlora has the Honorary Consulate of Austria, with Mr. Arben Malaj as its Honorary Consul.

MEPJ welcomes the increased cooperation with the Honorary Consulate of Austria in Vlora. Having the presence of the Consulate in Vlora, the Albanian citizens of the cities of Vlora, Fier, Berat and Gjirokastra will have the opportunity to obtain the necessary services regarding the various assistance and requirements that will be related to the Austrian state.

The number of Honorary Consulate in Vlora amounts to 43 Honorary Consulates, currently in our country. MEPJ has supported the opening of new honorary consulates and since 2013, 17 new Honorary Consuls have been appointed.