Relations with Countries of the Region

 

ALBANIA IN THE REGION

Strengthening stability, cooperation and good neighborly relations with all the countries of the region, in the first place with the border countries, has been one of the main priorities of Albania’s foreign policy. This serves the security, stability and economic development of the country, as well as helping to increase our influence in strengthening and respecting the rights of Albanians living in neighboring countries. This constant spirit of the foreign policy of the Republic of Albania is also very important for the progress of the European journey of Albania and the entire Western Balkan region, whose membership in the European Union would help in the final and stable solution of the problems inherited from the distant and recent past.

RELATIONS WITH THE STATES OF THE REGION

 

KOSOVO

Political dialogue: The cooperation between the two countries is considered excellent and brotherly. Albania was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Kosovo on February 17, 2008 and on February 19, 2008 established diplomatic relations.

Bilateral cooperation is guided by the national interest to deepen the political, economic, social and cultural interaction and to advance the integration process in the European Union, as a fundamental unifying project of the Albanian space in the service of its peace, stability and prosperity.

The cooperation between our two countries is considered strategic, stabilizing for the region and orienting for the Euro-Atlantic perspective. The high-level visits and contacts clearly show the political will for a closer partnership in all areas.

The seven Intergovernmental Meetings (G2G) clearly prove the political will of both countries and the willingness to advance the cooperation between them based on the agreements signed during these meetings. The seventh meeting (G2G6) was held in Elbasan on November 26, 2021 and resulted in the signing of 13 agreements, which will further deepen cooperation between the two countries, facilitate free movement, employment and greater interaction between the two countries.

Albania supports and is working to strengthen political-diplomatic action for Kosovo’s membership in regional forums and initiatives and international organizations, as well as in the process of advancing recognition. The liberalization of visas for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo and the advancement of the integration agenda in the EU will bring about the sustainable progress of the country and the consolidation of democratic processes in Kosovo.

The further extension of joint diplomatic missions is evaluated, aiming to focus on the development of economic diplomacy as a primary need for both countries.

Economic-commercial cooperation: We appreciate the steps taken so far with Kosovo in the framework of the unification of markets, the demolition of trade barriers, infrastructure and energy interconnection, which are a good premise for promoting our interests within the Berlin Process for a common regional market.

Despite the situation caused by COVID-19, both countries have continued economic cooperation and import-export trade exchanges without interruption, marking an increase in exchange quotas.

In recent years there has been an increase in the trade exchange between the two countries in exports and imports. Agreements on the implementation of customs facilities and the avoidance of double taxation are helping to facilitate the total circulation of people and goods between the two countries and increase economic development. However, the possibilities are many times greater.

Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: Albania appreciates and supports the restart of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, in coordination with Kosovo’s strategic partners, the United States of America and the European Union. The final result should be a binding legal agreement, which enables mutual recognition between the two countries, Kosovo’s membership in the UN and the EU, as well as fair treatment of minorities, in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo.

 

MONTENEGRO

Political Dialogue: Diplomatic relations between the two states were established on August 1, 2006, after the independence of Montenegro. Bilateral relations between Albania and Montenegro are very good. The first meeting of the two governments – G2G – on July 3, 2018, in Shkodër, as well as the exchange of high-level visits in 2019 are indicators of the intensification of the political dialogue. On December 15, 2021, the Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Radulovic, paid an official visit to Albania. Between the two countries there is increased cooperation regarding NATO, the EU, the Berlin Process, regional cooperation/regional initiatives and trilateral meetings Albania-Montenegro and Croatia.

Economic-commercial cooperation: Cooperation with Montenegro is focused on the implementation and implementation of agreements/protocols signed over the years, as well as those signed. Only during the G2G on July 3, 2018, 8 cooperation agreements/protocols were signed in the field of tourism, culture, economy, border cooperation, water management and civil emergencies, which have a special focus on the concretization of joint border projects, the Adriatic-Ionian highway and the construction of the infrastructure line between Velipoja and Ulcinj. On July 29, 2021, Prime Minister Rama and Prime Minister Krivokapić inaugurated the opening of the Grabon joint border point, and work is underway to open other joint border points.

Albania and Montenegro have wide areas of cooperation between them, especially in the field of energy, road and railway infrastructure, tourism, etc. Economic cooperation has maintained a positive trend, although it does not match the high level of political dialogue. Trade exchange in 2021 was at the level of 75 million dollars. Citizens of both countries travel to their respective countries only with an identity card.

Albanians in MZ: Albanians in MZ have and are playing a decisive role for the Euro-Atlantic future of the country and for maintaining the cohesion of society and the country. The achievements so far and the agreement between the political parties for the improvement of the rights and representation of the Albanian population are evaluated. Albania has supported the Albanian population in Montenegro, encouraging and supporting the respect of the rights of Albanians, cooperation, economic development, in the service of the European perspective of the Ministry of Health. The Government of RSH financially supports the National Council of Albanians through an annual fund, which goes to the organization of projects or activities related to the promotion of our culture and traditions. On November 25, 2021, with funding from the Albanian Government, the Book Promotion Center and the Promotion of Albanian Culture was opened in Ulcinj.

 

NORTH MACEDONIA

Political Dialogue: Albania was one of the first countries to recognize North Macedonia after it seceded from the former FRY, while diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on December 24, 1993.

Relations with North Macedonia have had very positive developments in recent years, made possible by the efforts of both parties. An indicator of the very good cooperation between the two countries is the exchange of high-level bilateral visits and not only, the cooperation agreements and memorandums signed between the two countries, as well as the cooperation within the framework of regional organizations and the “Open Balkan” initiative.

We have strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation interests with North Macedonia, not only as neighboring countries, but also as candidates for membership in the European Union.

The current government of North Macedonia has significantly improved the respect of the rights of Albanians and the recognition of the constructive role of the Albanian population and the Albanian factors there. Albania welcomes North Macedonia’s efforts to build a functional multi-ethnic society based on the full implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.

The Macedonian minority in Albania, which is guaranteed full rights by the Law on Minorities and by-laws, as for any minority living within the Albanian territory, we see as an important bridge of cooperation between the two countries.

Economic and trade cooperation: Trade links have expanded and the volume of trade has increased, despite the fact that we are still far from using our full potential. Further intensification of commercial, touristic, educational and cultural exchanges etc. is needed. The pandemic has played a big role in the increase of tourists from RMV to Albania and vice versa. We must continue to deepen the new phase of bilateral relations, through the work initiated within the G2G mechanism and the commitments undertaken within the framework of regional cooperation, such as joint cross-border projects, interconnection, measures for the Regional Economic Zone, as well as Corridor VIII.

 

GREECE

Political Dialogue: The relations between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Greece are relations of good neighborliness, as two member countries in NATO and with common vital interests, which share the assessment that the relations between them are of strategic importance in the region.

Greece has officially supported and expressed support for the process of Albania’s integration into the EU. Albania considers Greece a precious neighbor, but also a partner on its way to democracy, progress and European integration.

Both sides appreciate and are committed to handling, in compliance with international law, the internal legal framework and good neighborly relations, all the problems inherited from the distant or recent past and to find solutions accepted by the parties.

Despite the situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic, both countries have continued uninterrupted dialogue and bilateral cooperation. It is indicative of the development of many meetings at different levels, in which it was agreed to set a concrete cooperation agenda, as well as the continuation of the good progress of working groups for various problems of mutual interest. Both sides are working to further the progress made over the past years in the framework of the bilateral mechanism.

The Greek minority in Albania and the large community of Albanian immigrants in Greece constitute strong bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Economic and commercial cooperation: Greece continues to be one of Albania’s most important economic partners. For years it has been at the top of the list of partners in trade and foreign direct investments. A significant part of the economic and financial activity of Albania has been oriented towards it, making the economies of both countries to be connected between them. Both countries have mutual interests in the development, deepening and expansion of cooperation in many areas of economic interest.

 

CYPRUS

Political Dialogue: Albania and Cyprus have good bilateral relations and the good will for their consolidation and expansion. During the Cypriot Presidency of the EU, relations between the two countries were boosted, mainly within the European integration process, but there are opportunities to increase bilateral exchanges as well as high-level visits.

The Republic of Albania has closely followed the developments in Cyprus and has continuously supported and continues to support the decisions and resolutions of the UN, as well as those of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly for the solution of the Cyprus issue in a peaceful and realistic manner, based on international and European standards and values.

Economic and commercial cooperation: Albania and Cyprus have signed a series of agreements in the field of tourism, in the field of international road transport of passengers and goods, in the promotion and mutual protection of investments, in the field of customs, as well as in the field of European Integration cooperation. However, there are many spaces to deepen and consolidate the cooperation further in the future.

 

BULGARIA

Political Dialogue: Political relations between our countries are considered very good, stable and without any open issues. The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, at the end of the 19th century – the beginning of the 20th century, served as a “heart” where Albanian patriots gathered, from where a very rich activity for independence and the Albanian national issue was carried out. Diplomatic relations between Albania and Bulgaria were established in 1922 and a short time later diplomatic missions were opened in both countries.

A high-level constructive political dialogue has been developed between the two countries, both in the framework of bilateral relations and in the framework of multilateral cooperation. European integration of the region is a priority of Bulgaria’s foreign policy. She has been one of the strong supporters of Albania’s European integration. Cooperation with Bulgaria in the framework of international organizations is valued. A Bulgarian minority lives in Albania, which was recognized as such through the adoption of the Law on Minorities on October 13, 2017, while a small community of Albanians lives in Mandrica, Bulgaria.

During the last years, cooperation between Albanian and Bulgarian universities has intensified.

Economic-commercial cooperation: Bulgaria is a traditional economic partner of Albania and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, tourism and environment has a lot of potential. During the last years, Bulgaria ranks among the top 15 countries with the largest number of visitors to our country. Recently, during the year 2022, a direct flight line Sofia – Tirana has been established. Corridor VIII is a very important project to develop regional connectivity in the field of transport, energy and infrastructure.

 

ITALY

Political Dialogue: Italy remains one of Albania’s main strategic partners and cooperation is based on exceptional historical, cultural and economic ties. The inter-state dialogue between governments is stable, strong and integrated through deep bilateral cooperation in many sectors and fields. Albanian-Italian relations continue to develop in the spirit of good neighborliness, linked to our deep strategic interests, close NATO partnership and a common European perspective. The Strategic Partnership between the two countries (sanctioned in the Declaration of Strategic Partnership signed and entered into force on February 12, 2010), as well as the strong support of Italy in the path of integration and membership in the European Union, further confirm the excellent level of relations between our two countries.

The old Albanian diaspora and the large community of Albanian immigrants in Italy is a strong bridge of cooperation between the two countries.

Economic-trade cooperation: Italy remains Albania’s main trade partner and also one of Albania’s main donors. There is a willingness to promote the presence of large Italian investments in Albania and Italian investors to invest in strategic sectors of the country’s economy.

The first meeting of the Permanent Committee for economic and social issues took place in November 2021, during which concrete paths of cooperation were identified. Albania and Italy will continue to work on several projects, starting from railways, to projects related to maritime economy, infrastructure and energy projects, agriculture, ecological transition, tourism, culture, security and justice.

Intensive cooperation in the TAP project is of strategic importance not only for our countries, but for the region and also for the energy security of the EU.

 

MALTA

Political Dialogue: Relations with Malta are considered very good and political dialogue has been developed at the highest levels. Diplomatic relations between Albania and Malta were established on March 5, 1973.

Malta has been a staunch supporter of Albania’s European integration agenda and this support will continue to follow our efforts towards the opening of membership negotiations.

Economic Cooperation: There are a number of important bilateral agreements, including the one for the protection and promotion of investments, the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation.

Trade exchanges with Malta have great potential for further growth. We consider with interest the expansion of cooperation with Malta in the economic field, in several sectors: the trade sector (especially electronics and textiles), tourism (health tourism); infrastructure, aquaculture, financial services and consultancy, renewable energy.

 

SERBIA

The Albanian government pays special attention to the strengthening of bilateral relations with Serbia, taking into account the multiple implications that this relationship radiates at the bilateral and regional level, including Kosovo and the Albanians living in the region.

Our countries are increasing cooperation and ongoing exchanges in the framework of regional organizations and the “Open Balkan” initiative. From January 2021, the Agreement on the free movement of citizens with identity cards only came into force.

There are satisfactory indicators in the economic plan, the commercial volume has been increasing up to the value of €233 million, while exchanges continue in fields such as tourism, energy, transport, etc. The Albania-Serbia Joint Chamber of Commerce has encouraging achievements in the creation of joint ventures and investments focused on tourism.

The Albanian government closely follows the situation of Albanians living in the Presheva Valley and everywhere in Serbia. We fully support the policy of non-discrimination and their integration in state institutions, which is not just a necessity for preserving the Albanian national identity in accordance with European standards, but also the cornerstone of further strengthening of our bilateral relations. Our demands are based on their needs to get what they deserve, more welfare, more respect and greater involvement in Serbia’s integration processes.

 

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

We appreciate the good level of bilateral relations and the political will to further strengthen cooperation between our countries, considering it a direct interest of our foreign policy. Albania’s position is in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the process of its integration into NATO and the EU, as well as the necessary political reforms in the country undertaken within this dynamic process.

Currently, a number of agreements have been concluded with Bosnia and Herzegovina in many areas, creating a favorable legal framework for the promotion of bilateral cooperation.

Although trade exchanges with Bosnia and Herzegovina have increased in recent years, reaching 60 million euros in 2021, they remain at low levels and far from the potential that exists between our countries.

In the context of intensifying relations with the Albanian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a safe bridge for strengthening the friendship between our two countries, we encourage cooperation in areas such as education in the mother tongue, integration of Albanians in institutions, cultural and scientific exchanges with Albania, etc. In order to strengthen trade and ties between peoples, the Honorary Consulate in Sarajevo has been opened since October 2016.

 

CROATIA

Political Dialogue: Relations between Albania and Croatia are considered excellent and continue to develop in a preferential phase after the signing of the Declaration of Strategic Partnership in December 2018.

Albania was one of the first countries to recognize Croatia’s independence, after breaking away from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, establishing diplomatic relations in 1992.

Croatia is a strong supporter of Albania’s journey to the EU, just as it has been a fellow traveler in the NATO membership process. In the framework of the Adriatic Charter initiative (A5), a close cooperation is being developed regarding the reforms in the field of national defense and security.

The Albanian diaspora is well integrated in Croatian society and institutions and represents a real bridge of friendship and a guarantee for the further strengthening of our relations.

Economic Cooperation: There is a positive upward trend, but there are opportunities for more. Despite the large number of Croatian companies in Albania, the volume of invested capital is modest. Work is underway to maximize the advantages of TAP, giving the IAP and Blue Highway projects the importance they deserve in the context of the connection to create a new route along the Adriatic.

 

SLOVENIA

Political Dialogue: Slovenia-Albania relations can be assessed as very good in the political, diplomatic, security and defense sectors, in the framework of regional initiatives, etc. A significant indicator is the exchange of visits of the highest levels in recent years.

Albania was one of the first countries to recognize Slovenia’s independence, after it broke away from the former Yugoslavia in August 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 9, 1992.

Slovenia has continuously supported Albania’s Euro-Atlantic integration and the opening of EU membership talks. The Albanian diaspora is well integrated in the Slovenian society and represents a real bridge of friendship and a guarantee for the further strengthening of our relations.

Economic Cooperation: There is a positive upward trend in this cooperation, but the opportunities are greater. The volume of commercial exchanges between Albania and Slovenia is considered modest, compared to greater opportunities for cooperation in the fields of tourism, high technology, energy and environment.

 

ROMANIA

Political dialogue: Albania and Romania established diplomatic relations on December 16, 1913. Romania was the first country to recognize Albania’s independence. The capital of Romania, Bucharest, at the end of the 19th century – the beginning of the 20th century served as an important center of Albanian patriots, from where a very rich activity was carried out for independence and the Albanian national issue. The relations between the two countries are considered very good and stable and are governed by the “Treaty on Mutual Understanding, Cooperation and Good Neighborship between Romania and the Republic of Albania”, signed on May 11, 1994.

There is a mutual will to improve them further, to the clear benefit of our two countries and peoples. Currently, the parties are engaged in joint efforts for the revival of political dialogue and high-level visits, on both sides, with a focus on strengthening sectoral cooperation through cooperation in the relevant areas of the EU-Albania dialogue as well as on the consolidation of economic cooperation. Albania appreciates the role that Romania played during its Presidency of the EU, as well as the strong political and technical support that Romania continuously provides for Albania’s membership in the European Union in general and in the opening of membership negotiations, in particular.

A small community of Albanians lives and works in Romania, who are well integrated into Romanian society. A significant number of young Albanians study in Romania. An old and considerable community of Armenians lives and works in Albania, who enjoy minority status and enjoy all the rights recognized by all conventions and laws for minorities. The Albanian community in Romania and the Armenian minority in Albania are excellent bridges of cooperation between our countries and peoples.

 

TURKEY

Political dialogue: Diplomatic relations between Albania and Turkey were established by the Treaty of Friendship, signed on December 15, 1923. The relations between the two countries, based on friendship and traditional ties, are excellent and have been raised to the level of Strategic Partnership, as well as the enrichment of institutional cooperation in all fields and levels. During 2021 and the beginning of 2022, the high-level political dialogue has intensified. President Erdogan and Prime Minister Rama have visited the respective capitals and signed a series of agreements in the fields of economy, transport, education, health, culture, defense, and diplomacy. These exchanges have clearly confirmed the political will to strengthen bilateral relations, as well as to identify new areas of cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, especially in economic and trade relations.

These excellent relations were also reflected in the help that Turkey offered to our country, not only in coping with the consequences of the earthquakes that hit our country on September 21 and November 26, 2019 (Turkey financed the construction of 522 apartments), but also during the Covid-19 pandemic. Albanian-Turkish relations cover a wide spectrum, constituting a prominent institutional framework of cooperation in terms of economic and commercial ties, development assistance, sectoral exchanges and normative cooperation. Albania and Turkey cooperate closely in the field of security and in the fight against international terrorism.

A large community of Albanians lives and works in Turkey, the new diaspora after the 1990s and the old diaspora, which serves as a bridge in the further strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples.

Economic Cooperation: The positive and growing trend of Turkish investments in our country continues in the key areas of the Albanian economy, such as energy, telecommunications, the banking sector, etc. By the end of 2021, the trade volume has reached 746 million euros and Turkey has become Albania’s fourth trading partner. Turkish investments amount to around 3.6 billion euros, while more than 15 thousand Albanians are employed by Turkish companies present in the country.