(L-R): Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, Bajram Begaj, President of Albania; Credit: Ministère d'Etat

Luxembourg's Ministry of State have confirmed details of Prime Minister Xavier Bettel's working visit to Albania on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 August 2022.

 
At the invitation of his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama, the Prime Minister visited Albania, marking the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The discussions were marked by a mutual desire to strengthen these relations in political, economic and cultural fields. They decided to also explore increased cooperation in terms of university and research cooperation as well as student exchanges. A strengthening of cooperation in the field of tourism will also be planned in order to promote and introduce cultural diversity to the inhabitants of the two countries.

During a face-to-face meeting, the two heads of government discussed topical issues such as the situation in the Western Balkan region and the war in Ukraine. On this last point, PM Bettel thanked Albania for its alignment with the common foreign and security policy of the European Union, particularly in terms of restrictive measures.

The Prime Minister congratulated his counterpart on the recent opening of accession negotiations with the European Union and the efforts undertaken by the Albanian government in this context. He called it historic and encouraged the government to continue on the path of reforms. The Prime Minister wanted to assure his counterpart that Luxembourg will continue to support Albania throughout this process, at the political level but also through technical assistance programmes.

During his stay, the Prime Minister also met with the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj. The meeting with the President was above all marked by the condemnation of the atrocities committed by the Russian forces in Ukraine and by a common desire to do everything to guarantee peace in Europe and in particular in the Western Balkans.

Finally, a meeting with the Mayor of Tirana, Elian Veria, was held: this consisted of an exchange on the importance of municipal work for the general development of a country and the quality of life of everyone.