Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination

1.3 Foreign affairs
Regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations form an essential part of the process of moving towards
the European Union. In its relations with the EU—which is the model, the target and our all-round irreplaceable
partner—Albania has a rich track record:
• 1 January 2008—Visa Facilitation Agreement entered into force (including Denmark, Norway, Iceland
and Switzerland)
• March 2008—Visa liberalisation dialogue with EU started and is proceeding intensively
• 1 April 2009—SAA entered into force and mutual dialogue mechanisms were established, i.e. Stabilisation
and Association Council, Stabilisation and Association Committee and sub-committees.
• 28 April 2009—Following intensive consultations and close cooperation with the EU Presidency, the EC
and member states, Albania submitted a formal application for EU membership. Furthermore, political
dialogue with the EU and member states on all development areas was strengthened and intensified.
• Bilateral relations have grown significantly, leading to the establishment of six additional diplomatic
representative offices in Europe. In 2009, the Albanian embassy in Slovakia is expected to be opened and
this shall mark the completion of diplomatic expansion in the European area.
• 13 July 2008—Involvement in the EU security policy led to the signing of the agreement pursuant to which
Albania contributed troops to EU military operations (EUFOR Chad/RCA) in the crisis management
operation in Chad and the Central African Republic.
Relations with EU member states have been developed and the framework of bilateral contractual agreements
further completed. Political dialogue with strategic partners, such as Italy, Greece and Turkey, has been
consolidated through high-level visits, and the legal framework with these countries was extended. Albania
has continued to place special importance on relations with neighbouring countries—Kosovo, Macedonia and
Montenegro—and the other Western Balkan countries. Furthermore, relations with other major developing
powers, e.g. India and Brazil, have been strengthened through establishment there of diplomatic representative
offices. Procedures establishing diplomatic relations with around 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America
and Oceania are close to completion.
Albania has paid due importance to active participation and representation in international organisations
with the view of enhancing its international role. Completion of the legislative framework in areas related to
democracy, rule of law, protection and observance of human rights, functioning of a market economy, etc. has
continued with an accelerated pace.
Consular services comprise an aspect of public service that has undergone radical change. Certifications in
Albania and consular services in diplomatic missions are carried out in cooperation with the postal service
which has helped transform the process into a modern, quick and efficient system. A Visa Section established
and functioning in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is harmonising our practices with those of the EU
as regards examination and issuing of visas. The Albanian Government unilaterally lifted the short-term visa
regime with a number of countries listed in the EU positive visa list, Western Balkans and Latin American
countries and facilitated visa procedures with Persian Gulf states. In addition, a legal framework that further
facilitated the entry of foreigners into Albania is in place and all foreign citizens with a Schengen visa can
enter Albania without a visa. Agreements on joint border crossing points with Macedonia and Montenegro
(Muriqan, Xhepisht-Trebisht) were prepared.
Presentation of a realistic image of Albania, our society and opportunities, culture, values and rich tradition,
its age-long European roots, facilities introduced for FDI, promotion abroad of the country’s tourism
development strategy and its potential, etc., occupy a permanent place in the agenda of Foreign Services
activity. Moreover, the reorganisation of MoFA in the second half of 2008 was intended specifically to reflect
this ever-present aspect in its activity. In this framework, the network of honorary consuls was extended and
improved throughout the world. The role and activity of the Diplomatic Academy was upgraded to improve
professional training of newly recruited employees as an important component that ensures sustainability of
a career in diplomacy.
NSDI 2008 Progress Report | 13