Enhancing cooperation between Cyprus and Albania in sectors such as tourism, energy, shipping, information and communications technology, education and pharmaceuticals, was discussed on Monday in Nicosia by the two countries’ Foreign Ministers, Constantinos Kombos and Igli Hasani, respectively. They also discussed the Cyprus issue, Albania’s EU accession, and regional developments.
The Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries’ Ministries on diplomatic training.
Kombos, in his statements after the meeting expressed “appreciation” for Albania’s principled stance as regards the Cyprus issue and Nicosia’s support for Albania’s EU membership.
Hasani, in his own statements, said Albania considers Cyprus “an important partner” on its path towards its European Union membership, while that the two countries share a strong commitment to international law, territorial integrity, and a rules-based international order.
Cyprus’ Foreign Minister said they had “an excellent opportunity” during their meeting to try and map out the pathway towards enhancing bilateral relations, noting that this was upon the direct instructions they received from their respective leaderships. He said that they agree that the two countries “have to make maximum use of next year’s anniversary”, noting that they will mark 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Albania. Kombos also said that this will also be coinciding with the Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus, and, “of course, with, the rapid growth that Albania has been showing, the rapid pace of progressing towards its European Union path”.
He said that their discussions focused on a number of issues, and that, at the bilateral level, they agreed on the need to strengthen the institutional structure and cooperation between the two countries. First, he said, with the signing of the MoU on diplomatic training, adding that there were a few pending issues that they need to conclude, starting with the double taxation avoidance agreement. “Hopefully, the negotiations in October would be paving the way for a very positive outcome”, Kombos said, adding that this could act also as a gateway for more economic and trade activity. He said that there were several other issues in the pipeline that they aim to conclude “as soon as possible”.
In addition, he said, they identified that Cyprus and Albania have “a very important common element”, the impact of tourism on their respective economies, noting that they agreed that the two countries need to work closely together and share good practices and enhance cooperation in that field. He also said that business to business cooperation through exchange of delegations and meetings, through the respective Chambers of Commerce would also be “a very positive step forward”.
On the Cyprus question, Kombos expressed Nicosia’s “deep appreciation” for Albania’s principled stance. “We remain, of course, fully committed to the restart of substantive negotiations, always and exclusively within the framework that the UN Security Council has set”, he said.
According to Kombos, they also discussed the situation in the Western Balkans. “For us, for the European Union, it is a region of priority in terms of enlargement, and we want to make sure that enlargement takes place as a positive factor for both the European Union and the countries involved”, he said. “That is, of course, founded on a very simple principle, that it is a merit-based process, and on this, I want to commend and congratulate Albania for all the significant progress we have witnessed”, he added, reassuring his Albanian counterpart of Cyprus’ support “to welcome Albania and other countries from the Western Balkans into the European Union”.
Kombos noted that they discussed regional developments and that, on Ukraine, they agreed that there needs to be intensive negotiation, leading to comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN charter, while that an agreement on a ceasefire could be the springboard for achieving or reaching that stage of the negotiations. Similarly, he said, on the situation in the Middle East and Gaza, a ceasefire and the release of the hostages could unlock and pave the way for the termination of the war. “In the meantime, we agree that we should have unhindered flow of humanitarian aid at scale, and this is something for which the Republic of Cyprus has been taking practical steps, not only now, but in the recent past as well”, he said.
Cyprus, Kombos said, will be participating in the New York Conference on the two-state solution hosted by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the next few days.
Hasani, in his statement said that Albania, “considers Cyprus an important partner on our path towards the European Union membership”. He said that they had “a very productive exchange on deepening our bilateral cooperation and expanding our engagement across multiple areas of common interest”.
Reiterating Albania’s “unwavering commitment” to EU accession, Hasani referred to “a dynamic pace” of negotiations over the past two months noting that their aim was to conclude these technical negotiations by 2027, with the aspiration of EU membership by 2030. “We are encouraged by the priorities of Cyprus for your presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, and we look forward to working closely with Cyprus during this critical period to support Albania’s journey”, he said.
The Albanian Foreign Minister also thanked Cyprus for its continued support for many aspects of the integration process. “We particularly appreciate the readiness expressed by Cypriot officials to offer also technical assistance but also share with us their valuable experience”, he added.
Hasani also said that, during their meeting, they emphasised the need to expand and diversify bilateral cooperation, especially in areas such as tourism, energy, maritime, ICT (information and communications technology), education and pharmaceuticals. “Cyprus’ advanced expertise, for example in maritime affairs and helping us grow, improve as a regional transit hub, creates significant potential for joint projects and possible investments”, he added.
According to Hasani, he and Kombos had “a thorough discussion on the security landscape in Europe and the Mediterranean, including the ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean”. Albania and Cyprus, he said, “share a strong commitment to international law, territorial integrity, and a rules-based international order”.
“We also discussed the importance of the European integration of all the countries of the Western Balkans”, he said.
He also said they reaffirmed the two countries’ shared positions on global issues, “including condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza”.
Albania supports all efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire, the release of hostages, the protection of civilians and a renewed political process leading to lasting peace through a two-state solution, he said.
In closing, he thanked Kombos for the “very constructive dialogue” and said that he looks forward to continuing cooperation in a spirit of friendship and a shared purpose.
Also read: Albania’s Socialist Party leads in parliamentary vote, results show
Source: CNA
