Tirana, September 4, 2024 – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, hosted the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, in a bilateral meeting at the MEPJ.
Minister Hasani said that Albania has progressed in the implementation of the reform agenda for EU integration, as he emphasized the importance of accelerating the integration process for the countries of the region.
“We reaffirmed once again the commitment to increase cooperation in all areas of common interest, with special emphasis on strengthening economic ties. We estimated that there is still essential work to be done in areas such as trade or investments, and I take advantage of this opportunity to invite Finnish companies to invest in Albania. Their expertise and experience would be very valuable for the Albanian market and their counterparts.
An important event that will take place in Tirana in October of this year, “Slush’D”, is an example of how business can be promoted between the two countries, and we hope that our companies will participate in “Slush in Helsinki in the future”. Minister Hasani said.
Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized that Finland will continue its support for Albania’s journey towards the EU, as she underlined the importance of further strengthening cooperation in the OSCE, whose presidency Finland takes over next year.
“The OSCE has an important role in the Western Balkans region, assisting countries in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law. These reforms will, of course, benefit the people of the Western Balkans and will also serve as fulfillment of the conditions for membership in the European Union.
I welcome the cooperation with Albania, as Finland will take over the presidency of the Organization next year, and I also want to thank Albania, as well as Minister Hasani personally for his commitment and comprehensive work for and in the Organization so far. Thank you very much for hosting me and my team, and I look forward to even more intensive cooperation in the future”, she said.
Diplomatic relations between Albania and Finland were established on August 27, 1956.
Both countries have very good bilateral relations and a political dialogue that is intensifying.
