Joint Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania on the anniversary of 110 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Romania and Albania

Today, Romania and the Republic of Albania celebrate 110 years since the establishment of their bilateral diplomatic relations.

The connections between our two States are founded in a strong tradition where history mingles with a common cultural heritage and close people-to-people ties, including through our respective kin-minorities who bridge solidly our two States beyond geography.

Romania occupies a special place in the group of friendly countries of Albania, as the first country that recognized the Independence of Albania, with its continuous contribution to deep-shared historical roots and the active role of the Albanian diaspora.

We underline here that the idea of declaring the Independence of Albania by Ismail Qemali was forged precisely in a hotel in Bucharest. The Albanian diaspora, due to the favourable political environment, published newspapers and magazines in the Albanian language.

Today, friendship and mutual respect are defining elements of deepening political and economic ties, boosting bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest that enrich every day the common Romanian–Albanian heritage.

Romania is and will remain a firm supporter of the Republic of Albania’s European path. Romania supports a clear, transparent and rigorous enlargement process, on both its geographical dimensions – Western Balkans and Eastern neighbourhood alike – based on its own merits, reforms and fulfilment of accession criteria. Romania’s support for the effective launch of Albania’s negotiations with the European Union is yet another affirmation of the positive strategic projection that Romania has on the Western Balkans region.

Together as Allies and European partners with special connections, Romania and the Republic of Albania reaffirm their will to contribute together to a strong, prosperous, secure and competitive Europe.

We thus reiterate our joint determination to approach together, as Allies within NATO, all challenges to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area. We commit to undertake concrete actions for promoting the strategic importance of the Black Sea and Western Balkans to the Euro-Atlantic area.

Next year, 2024, we will celebrate 30 years of the signature of the Treaty of Understanding, Cooperation and Good Neighbourliness between Romania and the Republic of Albania, signed in Bucharest, on 11 May 1994 and we will do it with strong hope that the future will confirm the belonging of our States to the same community of values.