The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in Western Europe with an area of30,689 km2 (11,849 sq mi) and has a population of more than 11.5 million. The capital and largest city is Brussels.
Belgium is a sovereign state and a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
Diplomatic relations between Albania and Belgium were established in 1924, they continued during the period of King Zogu, to then be interrupted during the Second World War. After 1945, contacts between the countries were sporadic. After the beginning of the 90s, relations between the two countries had a stable development in all areas of mutual interest.
The bilateral political relations between Albania and Belgium are considered very good. Belgium has continuously and unreservedly supported the democratic and reforming processes of our country, the integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, the independence of Kosova, as well as humanitarian aid. Belgium has offered support to Albania for obtaining candidate status in the EU, thus clearly and openly proving that it is in favour of the European perspective of the WB region and especially our country.
In addition to bilateral political support and in multilateral organizations, the cooperation between the countries aims to strengthen economic cooperation, and cooperation in migration and consular matters.
The exchange of high-level visits has influenced the further advancement of bilateral relations.
The objectives of the Belgian foreign policy towards the Balkans, expressed in all multilateral forums, aims for WB to return to an area of peace, stability, and democracy, so Belgium has been and remains without hesitation in favour of the continuation of dialogue and exchanges between the countries of WB. Belgium aims for dialogue and regular contacts at the highest levels with all the countries of the region while also offering the experience and spirit of BENELUX to regional initiatives in the Balkans.
For both parties, the advancement and promotion of economic/commercial cooperation and Belgian investments in Albania and the Western Balkan region is a special priority. In general terms, it is considered that the achieved level of economic and commercial exchanges has untapped potential.
Albania and Belgium encourage exchanges in the field of culture and the creation of connections between artists in a reciprocal way, with the aim of intensifying contacts to get to know each other’s culture and traditions better.
The presence of a significant Albanian community in Belgium is an indicator and an important factor in the relations between the two countries. The Belgian authorities, in cooperation with the Albanian diaspora, support the efforts of the Albanian authorities to preserve our language, culture and traditions.
BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN ALBANIA AND LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg, officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a landlocked country in Western Europe. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is one of the four official capitals of the European Union (along with Brussels, Frankfurt and Strasbourg) and the seat of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the highest judicial authority in the EU. As a representative democracy with a constitutional monarch, it is ruled by Grand Duke Henry, the only remaining sovereign grand duke in the world.
Luxembourg constantly supports Albania on the way to European integration. In this context, Albania has received concrete support and continuous encouragement in the journey towards EU membership. In all the high-level meetings, the Luxembourg authorities have appreciated the progress achieved by Albania and have confirmed their support in this direction.
Luxembourg supports all initiatives for stability, peace and development in our region. In this context, Luxembourg has fully supported regional initiatives and meetings dedicated to the Western Balkans and in particular the role of the Albanian government and diplomacy.
Bilateral diplomatic relations are stable and consolidated. The political dialogue is part of the agenda of the two governments, for which both sides are working. Albania and Luxembourg also cooperate within international organizations, they also interact as two NATO member countries and exchange opinions on the security environment in the region.
In recent years, relations between Albania and Luxembourg have significantly strengthened, as evidenced by frequent high-level meetings and close diplomatic cooperation. The visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Edi Rama, to Luxembourg in February 2024 marks another important step in enhancing these ties. This visit follows the visit of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, H.E. Xavier Bettel, to Tirana in August 2022. Additionally, the Foreign Ministers of both countries have maintained regular contacts, such as the visit of Minister Asselborn to Tirana in October 2017, the visit of Foreign Minister Bushati to Luxembourg in September 2018, diplomatic consultations between the two Foreign Ministries, and a series of meetings between the Foreign Ministers during international organization gatherings.
Trade between the two countries is relatively small. But, considering the high level of political relations, the governments of both countries have expressed their desire to increase trade and economic cooperation to attract investments from Luxembourg to the Albanian market.
