Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani met with Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Elisa Spiropali, on the margins of the Italy–Albania Intergovernmental Summit chaired by the President of the Council of Ministers and the Albanian Prime Minister.
Their discussions highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations, further reinforced today by the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Agreement between the two Heads of Government, along with several sectoral agreements. The two Ministers agreed on the need to step up efforts to advance the “Corridor VIII” project and to strengthen joint action on issues related to the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and within the framework of the Central European Initiative (CEI). More broadly, Minister Tajani and Minister Spiropali emphasised the importance of placing the diplomacy of both countries at the service of deepening economic ties between Italy and Albania, for the benefit of their citizens and to promote conditions for peaceful dialogue across the Adriatic and the wider Balkan region.
During the day, Minister Tajani signed:
- with Minister Spiropali, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and resilience of the respective national cyber-security systems and promoting the exchange of information and best practices;
- with Albanian Defence Minister Pirro Vengu, an agreement for an Italian aid credit worth EUR 30 million to support the establishment of an Albanian civil protection system and the acquisition of equipment including ambulances and excavators, as well as a grant agreement of EUR 5 million in support of Albania’s civil protection system, including the Fire Brigade, with the operational contribution of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS);
- with Albanian Health Minister Evis Sala, an agreement for a EUR 4 million grant to support neonatal and maternal health in Albania through the upgrading of health infrastructure and the purchase of new medical equipment.
Regarding economic, cultural and academic relations, the Ministers noted that cooperation is bolstered by the presence of numerous Italian businesses operating in Albania and by a well-integrated Albanian community within Italy’s social and economic fabric. Minister Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s interest in exploring opportunities in the fields of energy, infrastructure and defence, contributing to the modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces, including within the context of the Atlantic Alliance, and giving new impetus to Corridor VIII, a key piece of strategic infrastructure for trade and mobility between the Western Balkans and the European Union.
The two Ministers also discussed the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, Albania’s role as a central actor in ensuring the stability of the region, and international issues including the Middle East and Ukraine.
