BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN ALBANIA AND CANADA
 
The Republic of Albania and Canada established diplomatic relations on September 10th, 1987. Until 1992, Canada was represented in Albania by the Embassy of Canada in Belgrade. Then until 1999, Canada was represented in Albania by the Embassy of Canada in Budapest, Hungary, and since 1999 Canada is represented by Canada’s ambassador in Rome who is also accredited in Albania, while a consulate in Tirana, headed by an honorary consul, assists with Canadian interests in Albania.
 
In April 2001, the Embassy of the Republic of Albania was opened for the first time in Ottawa, which gave a new impulse to the strengthening of the relations between the two countries.
 
Canada is a valuable partner to Albania, with a significant contribution on its journey of democratic consolidation and socio-economic development. The relations between Albania and Canada are based on a consolidated friendship, constructive political dialogue, common democratic values, NATO partnership and people-to-people ties. Our political and diplomatic relations have further developed during the recent years with a direct impact on fostering concrete cooperation in fields of common interest.
On December 2016, The Legislative Assembly of Ontario proclaimed November as Albanian Heritage Month. By proclaiming the month of November as Albanian Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the meaningful contributions immigrants have made in building Ontario's communities and the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of Albanian-Canadians throughout the province.Albanian Heritage Month is also an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Ontario's rich history.
 
This year marks 35th Anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Canada is an important factor in advancing liberal democracy, peace and security through development. As part of the very good relationship and shared security concerns mainly as NATO Allies, we remain committed to broaden and strengthen our cooperation in every aspect of interest for both sides.  We appreciate Canada’s role in advancing democracy and strengthening global peace and security and we will continue to closely cooperate with Canada, on that matter including in the UNSC.
 
In the framework of deepening bilateral relations, the two countries have signed Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in various fields. The Agreement on the Social Security that was signed on April 30th, 2019 has entered into force on August 1st, 2022. Albania and Canada are making joint efforts to coordinate the advancement of the agreements in process. Fulfilling the legal framework will constitute a further guarantee for promoting mutual exchanges and bilateral investments.
 
Albanian diaspora in Canada, well integrated in the Canadian society, fuels a bold and indispensable link and an important factor in strengthening the relations and cooperation between the two countries.