Moldova and Albania strengthen cooperation amid regional challenges

Moldova and Albania are strengthening the cooperation in the context of regional challenges. President of Albania Bajram Begaj made the statement during a joint press conference with head of state Maia Sandu.

The President of the Republic of Albania emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and strategic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the challenging context created by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.


“In these complicated times, it is vital to reinforce bilateral relations through diplomatic cooperation, high-level exchanges, interparliamentary interaction, and economic and cultural projects. Relations between Albania and the Republic of Moldova are good and we have significant development potential,” Begaj stated.


The Albanian head of state highlighted specific areas in which cooperation can be expanded:


“There are real opportunities for collaboration in tourism, education, energy, rail and road transport, as well as in the social field. We value the existing free trade agreement between our countries and will continue to promote investment and economic cooperation. We want to intensify the exchange of experience in the fields of energy, digitalization, governance, and security, so that citizens of both countries can benefit from concrete results.”


Begaj also referred to the difficult geopolitical context: “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine shows us how interconnected security is in our region. No state can respond to these challenges alone. Albania firmly supports the European path of the Republic of Moldova and the continuation of democratic reforms, which are essential for European integration and for strengthening regional security.”

During the discussions, the Albanian leader also underlined the role of economic and cultural cooperation: “We want to turn political dialogue into a set of concrete projects. Cooperation in agriculture, education, tourism, and culture can be accelerated, and ties between private companies and institutions must be intensified. In addition, exchanges of experience in the energy, digital, and governance sectors represent major opportunities for the development of both states.”

The Albanian president concluded:


“We are convinced that the enlargement of the European Union is one of the most effective tools to ensure the security, stability, and prosperity of the entire continent. Our bilateral cooperation, based on common European values, will continue to be a pillar of regional stability and sustainable development.”


Begaj is on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova at the invitation of head of state Maia Sandu. The visit will conclude on January 20.