During his official visit to Spain, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani met with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares. The meeting emphasized the excellent relations between Albania and Spain, highlighting Spain’s continuous support for Albania’s path towards European Union membership.

Minister Hasani expressed gratitude to Minister Albares for the warm welcome and reiterated Albania’s appreciation for Spain’s ongoing support. He also noted the special attention Spain pays to the Western Balkans in its foreign policy.

The intensification of cooperation between the European Union and our region has become more crucial than ever in light of global developments. Despite the demanding agenda of the EU Council Presidency, Spain has made extraordinary efforts to keep enlargement policies and the Western Balkans on the discussion table.

Spanish Minister Albares commended Albania’s progress towards EU integration over the past year and reaffirmed Spain’s full support for Albania’s efforts to become a leading candidate in the EU enlargement process.

Economic cooperation was also a focal point of the meeting. Minister Hasani emphasized Albania’s strategic position and business-friendly environment, making it an attractive choice for Spanish investors and tourists.

Discussions covered various topics including the EU’s growth plan for the Western Balkans, the inauguration of the NATO base in Kuçova, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the current conflicts in the Middle East.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the foreign ministries of Albania and Spain was signed, aiming to enhance diplomatic cooperation. This memorandum focuses on training diplomats from both countries and exchanging information in relevant academic disciplines.

The ministers also discussed the UNED project to establish a campus in Gjirokastra in 2024, which together with the College of Europe will be the first non-Albanian European university campus in Albania.

Cultural and scientific relations have significantly improved in recent years, as evidenced by the presence of Spanish language studies at the University of Tirana and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Diplomatic Schools of both nations during the ministerial meeting.