On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Hungary, Mr. Ilirian Kuka, met with the Hungarian Minister of Justice, Mr. Bence Tuzson.

The meeting, which took place at the premises of the Ministry of Justice, began with Ambassador Kuka thanking Minister Tuzson, who, despite his very busy political and administrative agenda, found the appropriate time to receive Ambassador Kuka in order to further strengthen relations between Hungary and Albania, especially in the field of justice and legal cooperation.

Minister Tuzson expressed his happiness that these early relations between our countries date back to the 15th century, at the time of the national heroes Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg and János Hunyadi (Huniadi), who collaborated in the war against the Ottoman Empire. He said that this historic cooperation between the two prominent figures is an important foundation of the friendly ties between the two peoples and a symbol of the alliance in defense of European values.

While Ambassador Kuka reminded them that the historical relations between Albania and Hungary continued and deepened further in the 20th century with the figure of Queen Geraldine Apponyi, who was of Hungarian origin. She became the Queen of Albania after her marriage to King Zog I in 1938, bringing a special and symbolic connection between the two countries. Her presence in the Albanian royal court represents a cultural and historical connection that has left a lasting mark on the memory of the two nations.

Also during the communist period, relations between Albania and Hungary continued in another form of cooperation, where a considerable number of Albanian students had the opportunity to pursue their university studies in Hungary. This period marked an important dimension in the educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries, creating bridges of friendship and understanding that continue to this day. Many of these students returned to Albania and contributed to the development of the country in various fields such as science, engineering, medicine and culture.

Minister Tuzson stated that Hungary is closer to Albania compared to Western countries, not only from a geographical point of view, but also in terms of worldview, traditions and cultural values. The two peoples share a common history of coexistence and cooperation in important historical periods, as well as a similar sensitivity to national issues, freedom and identity.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of mutual interest, including cooperation within the framework of European institutions, exchange of experiences in the respective justice systems, as well as opportunities for joint training or projects.

Both sides agreed on the importance of exchanging experience between the two countries, not only on EU issues but also in all aspects of justice in order to further advance the good historical and productive relations between Albania and Hungary.

Ambassador Kuka also expressed his gratitude for Hungary’s full and continuous support for Albania and its government on the path of integration into the European Union. He emphasized that during the Hungarian Presidency of the EU, Albania took important steps, making significant progress on the path of European integration. Minister Tuzson assured that the Hungarian government will continue to support and assist Albania until all steps in this direction are completed. He emphasized Hungary’s readiness to assist with its experience in our country’s accession to the European Union.