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”.
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”.
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”.
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.
