Foreign Minister Igli Hasani met on Monday with his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, to discuss regional developments, including Albania's accession to the European Union and the Cyprus problem.
Kombos assured Hasani of Cyprus' support for Albania's path to EU accession and thanked Albania for its continued support for the Cyprus issue, based on the relevant UN resolutions, as Hasani expressed.
"We agree on the need to strengthen institutional structures and deepen cooperation between our two countries," Kombos said, referring to a Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the diplomatic academies of the two ministries during Hasan's visit.
Hasani described Cyprus as a vital partner, especially in relation to Albania's path towards EU membership. He underlined Albania's "unwavering commitment" to the negotiations, adding that the country aims to complete them by 2027 and secure full EU membership by 2030.
"We particularly appreciate the willingness expressed by Cypriot officials to provide technical assistance and share their valuable experience," he added, thanking Cyprus for its continued support in many aspects of the integration process. Hasani said he looked forward to working side by side with Cyprus during this crucial period as Albania advances on its path to EU accession.
The ministers also highlighted plans to expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with an emphasis on tourism, energy, maritime transport, information and communication technology, education, and pharmaceuticals.
"We identified a very important common element, which is the impact of tourism on our respective economies," said Kombos. As a result, Cyprus and Albania agreed to cooperate closely, sharing best practices to strengthen ties in this area.
Hasani, for his part, highlighted Cyprus' advanced expertise in areas such as maritime affairs, which could support Albania's efforts to transform itself into a regional transit hub, creating "considerable potential for joint projects and investments."
During their meeting, the two foreign ministers underlined the close harmony between Albania and Cyprus on key international challenges. Both reaffirmed their countries' commitment to international law, territorial integrity and a rules-based international order.
The main topics included the security landscape in Europe and the Mediterranean, particularly Russia's war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and regional developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean.
The ministers clearly condemned Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine and expressed "deep concern" about the "worsening humanitarian crisis" in Gaza. Hasani stressed Albania's support for all efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire, the safe release of hostages, the protection of civilians and the revival of a credible political process aimed at achieving lasting peace through a two-state solution.
Following his meeting with Kombos, Hasani met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou. The two officials also discussed regional developments, with Demetriou expressing hope that the upcoming expanded meeting in July will pave the way for the resumption of meaningful talks on the reunification of Cyprus.
"We hope for Turkey's cooperation," Demetriou said, stressing the importance of Ankara's involvement in reaching a just and lasting solution that would contribute to regional and EU stability. Demetriou reaffirmed Cyprus's support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans and congratulated Albania on its progress towards EU membership.
"We must work together to ensure our peace, stability, security and defense," she said.
During their meeting, they also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including migration. Demetriou highlighted the pressure Cyprus faces as a "frontline country" managing a large number of migrants compared to its population. She stressed the importance of regional cooperation and the need for the full implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Hasani reaffirmed Albania's readiness to deepen engagement with Cyprus, expressing his country's desire to strengthen exchanges at all levels, including parliamentary cooperation and ties between the two peoples.