Sweden and Albania share the same values and positions regarding EU enlargement, Western Balkans integration, regional cooperation, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and support for Ukraine. Since March this year, they have also been working closely as NATO allies.

These were the messages conveyed during the meeting between the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, and his counterpart, Tobias Billström, during his visit to Sweden.

The two ministers discussed the excellent relations between the two countries and the possibilities and ways of intensifying cooperation, focusing mainly on the economy, trade, and investments.

Addressing the security situation in the Western Balkans, ministers Hasani and Billström underscored the need for NATO and the European Union to maintain focus on the region, prevent the influence of third actors, and tackle disinformation and hybrid attacks.

During his two-day visit in Stockholm, Minister Hasani also met with Swedish parliament members of Albanian origin, Adnan Dibrani, Alba Kokalari, and Aida Birinxhiku. The Albanian foreign minister congratulated Dibrani and Kokalari on their election to the European Parliament.

Minister Hasani was also received by the Speaker of the Parliament, Andreas Norlén, the Minister for European Union Affairs, Jessika Roswall, and the parliamentary friendship group for the Western Balkans.

At the end of his visit to Sweden, Minister Hasani visited the telecommunications company “Ericsson,” founded in 1876.

Minister Hasani highlighted the importance of digitalization and Albania’s cooperation with prestigious European companies in this sector. He emphasized that like-minded nations must accelerate the development and adoption of technology to ensure a competitive future for all.