The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Swiss Embassy in Tirana, organized today the Scientific Conference on the topic: “50 years of diplomatic relations Albania-Switzerland.
The Conference was attended by the Ambassador of Switzerland in Tirana, Adrian Maitre, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, representatives from the field of politics, history, diplomacy, art, culture, religion, etc.

On behalf of the Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Gent Cakaj, who was on a working visit to Berlin, the event was greeted by Deputy Minister, Sokol Dedja.

“This celebration, according to Deputy Minister Dedja, is a sign of the importance this anniversary has for both countries. It also proves the early ties between our peoples, based on human history and archived documents, which go beyond this half-century. It is also a moment of reflection on what has been achieved and on the continuation of future cooperation.” Dedja also thanked Switzerland for standing by Albania in difficult moments to cope with the severe consequences of the earthquake and the pandemic, offering very generous contributions.

In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazzio Cassis, via a video message, made a presentation of the excellent relations between the two countries in several areas. He affirmed that Switzerland will continue to stand by Albania on its path towards European integration. “On this anniversary,” said Cassis, “I wish the continuation and increase of cooperation between the two countries.”

The Swiss Ambassador to Albania, Ardian Maitre, based on the history of relations between the two countries said that, “50 years ago our two countries signed formal bilateral diplomatic relations. This happened despite the Iron Curtain and the Cold War of that time and despite different political systems. This was a great achievement. In the 50 years that followed, our two countries have intensified exchanges. They have approached and are working closely together.”
The Director of the Historical Archive at MEFA, Prof. Assoc. Pranvera Dibra, and historian from the University of Bern, Dr. Zaugg, made a detailed presentation of the historical journey of 50 years of diplomatic relations, from the perspective of the two countries.

Further, the panellists participating in the Conference enriched this important activity with their memories and research on the historical, diplomatic and human traces between the two countries.

The first ambassador of Albania to Switzerland after the fall of communism, Gazmend Turdiu, shared his memories and impressions from the period of diplomatic service in Switzerland.

The event was closed by the Director General of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mimoza Halimi, who emphasized the three main dimensions of cooperation with Switzerland, bilateral, regional and multilateral. “What stands out in the approach of Switzerland to our country, underlined Ms. Halimi, is its continuous assistance, materialized in Strategic Documents and well-oriented projects, which not only strengthen the partnership between our countries, but also help in the realization of the reform agenda of the Albanian government and the path towards integration into the European Union.

The conference was accompanied with an exhibition of archived, historical and photographic materials, which document the early friendly, economic and human relations between the two countries and peoples.