Albania and the United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations on June 1, 1992. Bilateral relations culminated in 2011 with the opening of the Albanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, while the UAE covers the Albanian Embassy in Greece.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 1, 1992, and since then, relations have experienced positive developments, characterized by an ever-increasing trend. Both countries and at the highest levels consider bilateral relations to be very good relations with a solid and stable cooperation agenda. It is considered that the expansion of relations in various areas of common interest is mutually beneficial.
The parties are committed to pursuing a concrete platform of cooperation projects and are ready to increase the economic, technological and social benefits deriving from the implementation of the Agreements and Memorandums of Cooperation. The two countries cooperate closely not only at the bilateral level but also at the multilateral level. It is worth mentioning here the cooperation within the framework of the UN Security Council, where both countries cooperate intensively in terms of supporting mutual candidacies, drafting and launching resolutions, as well as other diplomatic initiatives for the preservation of global peace and security.
The objective and goal remains to maintain and further strengthen the level of cooperation of common interest, as well as to strengthen cooperation within the framework of international organizations and multilateral initiatives.
Economic Relations
The results of bilateral economic cooperation have seen development and have a clear capacity and perspective to be further strengthened. There is a need to further advance trade exchanges and economic cooperation. There is every scope to increase trade exchanges as the potential is great. In the economic field, both sides are working closely to organize the first meeting of the Joint Economic Committee. In 2023, trade exchanges reached a value of about 18 million euros. Our exports to the UAE are valued at 9.5 million euros. Export goods are mainly joinery products, drinking water, dried fruits, aluminum materials, minerals, marble, stone and construction materials. Imports from the UAE in 2023 amounted to 8.5 million euros.
The goods imported into our country are mainly electronic equipment, petroleum by-products, cars and computer equipment. Very good political relations create space for increased trade exchanges and the development of bilateral economic cooperation. The topic of economic cooperation should be discussed extensively and practically in meetings at joint business forums or in working meetings of the respective Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as the Investment and Business Promotion Agencies. The major Durres Port project is the most successful moment of economic cooperation and investment attraction in the elite tourism sector, paving the way for other projects in the field of tourism infrastructure that will serve our objective of turning the country into a major tourism destination in the Mediterranean.
The objective and goal will be the establishment and functioning of regular structures, mechanisms and legal basis in order to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation; holding the first meeting of the Joint Economic Commission; encouraging Emirati investments in infrastructure, energy and tourism and intensifying cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fund through concrete programs and projects.
Consular Relations
In the United Arab Emirates, there is an increasing number of resident Albanians and a large number of tourists from our country. Although not at the same level, the number of Emirati citizens visiting our country has increased. Since April, the regime of free and visa-free movement between our two countries has begun. There is an increasing number of various consular services for foreign citizens resident in the UAE. During the year 2023 alone, the representation in Abu Dhabi has processed over 4,000 consular applications, of which 3,000 were tourist visa applications.
The objective and goal remains the timely and quality provision of services to all Albanian citizens in need of documentation, information, and consular and legal assistance in their relations with the Emirati authorities, as well as the support and provision of all rights for Albanian citizens working legally in the United Arab Emirates.
Legal Framework
There is a good legal framework between our two countries, but there are also a number of areas that need to be covered by relevant agreements. I would like to highlight as very important the agreements signed over the years, such as the one on economic cooperation, the one on the avoidance of double taxation, the one on the promotion and protection of investments, the one on cooperation in the field of security and the fight against terrorism, the one on the abolition of visas. Of particular importance remains the negotiation of the Draft Agreements in process for legal and judicial cooperation.
