Moldova and Albania sign cooperation deal on European integration
President Maia Sandu met on Saturday in Tirana with the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj. The officials discussed their countries’ European integration paths, the shared responsibility to protect peace and stability in the region, and the strengthening of economic relations between Moldova and Albania, including in the tourism sector.
“Moldova and Albania are united by the same choice: a future in the European Union. We support each other because we share the same goal: free, prosperous, and secure societies for all our citizens,” said the president.
On the occasion of President Sandu’s visit to Tirana, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Albania on European integration was also signed.
According to the Presidency, the purpose is to facilitate the exchange of information, share experience, and best practices to support and accelerate European integration.
“Both Moldova and Albania hold candidate status and have begun EU accession negotiations. This new stage in bilateral relations creates additional opportunities for cooperation in economic and trade sectors. Albania is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination in Europe, recording a record 10 million visitors in 2024, and tourism significantly contributes to the country’s economic development,” the Presidency statement added.
On Friday in Tirana, the European Political Community Summit took place, attended by President Maia Sandu. During the summit, the president hosted a meeting with the leaders of France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Together with the leaders of Germany, Poland, and Romania, they adopted a joint declaration reaffirming their strong support for the Republic of Moldova and their commitment to assisting the country’s economic development and European path.
Additionally, President Sandu held meetings with the leaders of Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Norway. The discussions focused on continued support for Moldova, the well-being of its people, and the next steps in its journey toward the European Union. Also in Tirana, President Maia Sandu met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
