Albania and Israel Sign Cooperation Agreement as Minister Hoxha Announces Expanded Partnership in Strategic Sectors

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar of Israel inked a General Cooperation Agreement with Albania during his official visit to Tirana. According to Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the agreement is a significant stride in the direction of enhancing bilateral relations and broadening the partnership between the two nations.
A structured mechanism for the expansion of cooperation in the areas of economy and trade, innovation, technology, agriculture, water management, energy, healthcare, education, security, tourism, and culture is established by the agreement.
Minister Hoxha emphasized the significance of collaboration in security, particularly cybersecurity, during a joint statement to the media. He also acknowledged Israel’s assistance in the wake of the 2022 cyberattacks against Albania. He also emphasized the increasing interest of Israeli businesses and investors in Albania, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure, agribusiness, technology, innovation, energy, and healthcare.
Minister Hoxha also emphasized the importance of tourism in fostering stronger connections between the two countries, stating that its recent expansion has spurred new opportunities for exchange and has brought the two peoples closer together.
The discussions also prioritized developments in the Middle East. Minister Hoxha reiterated Albania’s dedication to the establishment of enduring peace in the region, emphasizing the nation’s status as a founding member of the Board of Peace and its decision to participate in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. He also denounced the destabilizing activities of Iran and groups associated with it.
Minister Hoxha characterized Israel’s recognition of Kosovo as a contribution to the reinforcement of regional stability and cooperation, and the two ministers also discussed developments in the Western Balkans.
Minister Hoxha concluded by emphasizing the historical connections between the two nations and the safeguarding of Jews by Albanians during the Holocaust. Additionally, he informed his Israeli counterpart about the advancements made in the construction of the Museum of Besa in Tirana and the Jewish Museum in Vlora. These institutions will function as educational and cultural hubs that are dedicated to the preservation of historical memory and the acknowledgment of the Jewish community’s contributions to Albanian society.