Turkish, Albanian foreign ministers to strengthen strategic partnership

Albanian Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani will pay an official visit to Türkiye on Feb. 27, 2025, to discuss bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

Key issues on agenda

During his visit, Hasani will meet with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership established in 2021. The agenda will focus on:

• Trade and investment opportunities
• Defense industry cooperation
• Counterterrorism efforts
• Cultural collaboration
• Regional and global geopolitical developments
• Cooperation within international organizations

Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties

FM Fidan is expected to emphasize Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Albania, highlighting:

• The importance of reinforcing the legal framework of the partnership
• Expanding economic cooperation in technology, IT, energy, and defense sectors
• The need for joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Balkans
• Continued collaboration in international organizations
• The significance of strengthening counterterrorism efforts, particularly regarding FETO activities in Albania

Growing economic, strategic cooperation

Albania is a key NATO ally and a major regional partner for Türkiye.

The two nations elevated their relations to a strategic partnership with the signing of a Joint Political Declaration in 2021.

• High-level meetings: In 2024, two High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meetings were held, chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
• Economic growth: Türkiye is among the top foreign investors in Albania, with over 800 Turkish companies operating in the country and investments exceeding $3.5 billion.
• Trade expansion: The two countries reached a $1 billion trade volume in 2022, with a target of $2 billion in the coming years.
• Military and defense collaboration: Plans are underway to enhance defense and military cooperation.

Türkiye’s support for Albania’s development

Türkiye has played a vital role in Albania’s development, investing in infrastructure and humanitarian projects.

• Historic preservation: Restoration of Ottoman-era structures in Albanian cities
• Education and training: Support for educational programs
• Infrastructure development: Türkiye has contributed to 602 projects in Albania worth approximately $50 million over the past 30 years.