BILATERAL RELATIONS
Diplomatic relations with Ukraine were established on 13.01.1993 and in January 2024 the 31st anniversary of the establishment of these relations was celebrated.
Political relations between the two countries are considered good and friendly, with a common interest for further development. Relations with Ukraine began to be activated, especially following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. Albania from the beginning maintained a clear and unwavering position in defense of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, in line with the position of the EU and the USA. Albania has joined the European Union’s decision to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation from the very beginning.
The year 2020 was important in bilateral relations, as Albania opened its Special Mission in Kiev within the framework of the Albanian chairmanship of the OSCE, while Ukraine opened its Embassy in Albania. Prime Minister Rama also visited Ukraine in his capacity as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in January 2020, which marked an important and qualitative moment in the further development of relations between the two countries. Our mission has since been closed, and on January 18, 2023, the decision was made to open the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Ukraine, which was finalized on November 12, 2024, when the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Ernal Filo, presented his credentials to the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky.
With Russia’s aggression in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Albania immediately condemned Russia’s attacks, applied the sanctions imposed by the European Union, and as Ukraine’s co-host in the UN Security Council, has been at the forefront alongside partner countries, such as the US, UK, France, etc., in condemning the violation of international law by a permanent member of the Security Council (Russia) by attacking and not recognizing the sovereignty of Ukraine as an independent state. Albania has also voted in favor of suspending Russia from the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe’s Assembly, the UNHRC, etc., until the Russian invasion of Ukraine stops and the Russian army leaves Ukraine. The Albanian Parliament adopted on March 7, 2022 the Resolution on “Support for the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine and the Protection of the Principles of International Law and European Security”.
The most recent high-level visit is that of the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, in Kiev, in June 2022.
SIGNED AGREEMENTS
There are 13 signed agreements between the two countries. There are 18 agreements in the negotiation process and 2 of them are ready for signing. We mention the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, the Agreement on Security Guarantees, the Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Council of Ministers of Ukraine on the employment of family members of diplomats, the Agreement between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine on cooperation in the field of culture, the Cooperation Agreement between the General Directorate of Archives of the Republic of Albania and the State Archival Service of Ukraine.
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
Economic cooperation has not yet reached the level of good political and diplomatic relations. Many Albanian goods to Ukraine are traded through third countries and not directly. 63 Ukrainian-owned companies operate in Albania. 43% of these companies operate in the territory of Vlora Prefecture. In response to the high interest in Ukraine, after the end of the war the focus will be on organizing high-level visits and holding Business Forums.
EU INTEGRATION PROCESS
Albania has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in every means and in every forum. Albania appreciates the decision of the European Council of 15 December 2023 to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. We hope that Ukraine will start accession negotiations soon. The EU enlargement policy is under serious review and although it has not yet taken its final shape and direction, we can firmly say that it will be our common objective and interest in the future.
ALBANIAN COMMUNITY IN UKRAINE
In Ukraine, and mainly in Zaporizhzhya and Odessa, there is an almost two-century-old Albanian community, which serves as a bridge of friendship between our two peoples and countries. Unfortunately, a significant part of this community in Zaporizhzhya is now under Russian occupation and we are concerned for them and for all citizens of Ukraine, who are under Russian occupation and suffering the consequences of this aggression. Our foreign policy aims at cooperation to support and alleviate their pain and hardship.
