Albania-Italy, Joint Press Conference of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni
After the exchange of cooperation agreements between the two countries, as part of the joint Albania-Italy meeting, Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy Giorgia Meloni held a joint press conference.
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Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy Giorgia Meloni:
Good afternoon, everyone. I’m very pleased. First of all, I am pleased to welcome to Rome my friend, Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with his numerous ministers who came here for the first Italy–Albania intergovernmental summit. A day that, for our bilateral relations, can rightly be called historic. Not only because it is the first time our governments meet in this format, but also because of what you have just witnessed: the quantity and quality of the technical and governmental bilateral agreements that were signed.
It is clear, we know that relations between Albania and Italy have deep roots. They have always been constant, enduring relations that go far beyond reciprocal interests.
We were all somewhat moved by the plenary session, with at least twenty ministers who all spoke exclusively in Italian, without the need for translation. This alone shows how much Italy has been and continues to be a point of reference for Albania. What we want to do today is turn this extraordinary relationship between our nations into a lesson, a resource for strengthening these ties even further.
Italy is Albania’s number one trading partner. Over three thousand Italian companies are operating in Albania, and our goal is to deepen these relations even further by placing them on a more strategic level. Thanks to Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and Simest, and I thank their managing directors for this.
Together with Prime Minister Rama, we have already set another milestone: the creation of a forum that will bring together companies and productive sectors within the first six months from today. We have defined the areas where our cooperation will continue, such as energy and transport, with a particular focus on Corridor 8, the vital route that starts from Puglia, crosses Albania and continues to North Macedonia and Bulgaria.
The strengthening of Adriatic connectivity and transforming the Adriatic into a strategic corridor will place at everyone’s disposal the economic, logistical and energy infrastructures of southern Italy, making the South a crucial gateway for the region. This means more prosperity and development not only for Italy and Albania, but for Europe as a whole.
Regarding security, we also focused on the important agreements that will strengthen our joint fight against drug trafficking and cybersecurity threats. These are key pillars of a broader vision: facing the migration phenomenon together. We discussed this at length with Prime Minister Rama, and I would once again like to thank him, his government and the Albanian people, because the signing of our protocol has shown that Albania is already behaving like a member state of the European Union, proving solidarity with its partners.
I have always believed, and continue to believe, that the protocol we signed represents a deeply European agreement, because it emphasises that migration is a pan-European challenge that can only be addressed through cooperation among EU member states and with partner countries outside the EU. It is an innovative protocol, which has drawn the interest of many other nations, as is known. Not everyone understood its value; many tried hard to block it. But we are determined to move forward, because in our view, this mechanism has the potential to change the paradigm of migration flows.
But this is only one of the many examples that show how mature our dialogue has become, how aligned Italy and Albania are in international arenas, and how we share a common vision. This leads me to another very important matter that has been and remains part of our discussions: Albania is days away from opening the final chapter of its accession negotiations, the technical chapter. This is extremely important. And I want to say that it would be truly meaningful if we could open the political chapters of negotiations precisely during Italy’s presidency of the European Union, which, as you know, begins in the first half of 2028. Given all we have done together over the years, it would be perfectly natural.
You know Italy has launched various initiatives, including the Foreign Ministry’s initiative, led by Minister Tajani, to strengthen ties with Western Balkan friends. We have always been among the first supporters of their EU membership. We keep saying: this is not European enlargement; it is European reunification. We are not the ones who decide who is European and who is not. Albania is undoubtedly a European nation. Our role is to support this process as seriously and, if possible, as quickly as we can, because it is also in our interest.
We discussed many issues, almost all part of our bilateral cooperation. Today we also discussed foreign policy issues, open questions, and advanced the progress made in various international dossiers, including Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and others. This is only one of the many stages of a collaboration rooted in a very long friendship and moving toward an increasingly systemic partnership that includes economic integration and shared value chains. The agreements signed today cover sectors ranging from security to finance, and reflect our commitment to work in an increasingly structured way.
I would like to thank Prime Minister Rama, the ministers, ambassadors and all teams who worked for this day, which, as I said, is a historic day that opens an entirely new chapter in our bilateral relationship.
Please, Edi.
Prime Minister Edi Rama:
Thank you, Prime Minister. Thank you, Giorgia.
I will continue speaking in Italian, because today we have scientific proof that, besides the Italian government, no other non-Italian government speaks one hundred percent Italian, except the Albanian one. This is one more responsibility for Italy, and I say that very clearly.
I also want to add that today is an absolutely historic day for us. Every time I go to NATO, I hear people speaking about a “historic day,” but this is the real historic day: for the first time, the Albanian government sits with the Italian government to discuss joint projects and a shared future. But not only to talk, but also to take stock of what has been done and to sign concrete agreements and concrete projects.
In all the years I have had the privilege to lead the Albanian government, and there are not a few, I have never doubted the good intentions, goodwill and desire to help shown by every Italian government. But with this government, there is not only goodwill and desire, there is also action. And we are sincerely grateful. Not only because Italy, our “big sister,” is my sister by choice, but because her ministers have been extraordinarily available and continue to be available to support us.
Let me be clear: thanks to the fraternal engagement of Italy’s Minister of Defense, today we can advance several projects that strengthen both our defense capabilities and our shared defense capacity. I sincerely thank Minister Crosetto, and I also want to express special gratitude to Minister Tajani, a sincere European and true friend of Albania. He has supported us everywhere, not only diplomatically but also economically and in shared projects.
If today Corridor 8, a strategic corridor not only for Europe but also for NATO, not only for trade but also for defence, is finally progressing at an accelerated pace, it is thanks to the Italian Foreign Minister, who brought all relevant actors to the table and is following this project personally.
I must add: thanks to this government and the personal attention of the Italian Prime Minister, today all Albanians who worked and paid contributions in Italy finally have the right to receive their pension. This request was made more than ten years ago. It was promised by all previous Italian governments. But it became a fact thanks to Giorgia Meloni and this government.
Everything Prime Minister Meloni said goes exactly in the direction of deepening our relationship and strengthening this very special partnership, finally accompanied by major projects.
Energy: we have one of the largest energy projects in Europe moving forward, contributing to Europe’s energy sovereignty through the interconnection line between Italy and Albania, with the participation of the United Arab Emirates. And we are already working on another major project linking East and West, involving Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Albania, of high strategic importance.
Then there is culture. If there were no culture, Italy would not be present. I am pleased today, even if it will earn you some criticism from the press, which, from what I have seen, adores you, that after so many years, we finally have a concrete agreement to jointly build a major European cultural institution: MAXXI Rome, together with our National Gallery. Dear Minister, I hope the Italian Museum of Art in Albania will become a concrete reality, and that you will be the one to open its doors.
To conclude: yes, it truly would be the cherry on top if, in 2028, when Italy assumes the Presidency of the European Council and when Giorgia will hold the dual role of Italian Prime Minister and President of the European Council, you may laugh, but time will prove me right, if at that moment, after completing the technical chapters, we could begin political negotiations. If Giorgia leads that phase, it means we will be in the best possible hands to finally open the door that has been closed to us for centuries.
As I said in our meeting and on other occasions, we are ready to sign an agreement with the EU, renouncing both veto and vote. We have no intention of blocking anything. We are fanatical supporters of European values. We are ready to be represented by the Italian European Commissioner, it would be an honour to have you, Giorgia, represent both of us, because we are, in essence, one.
Thank you very much. I am truly honoured and grateful for all we are doing together, but especially for this extraordinary hospitality. As I said before, at NATO meetings, everyone calls every meeting “historic.” I haven’t seen much that is historic there. But here today, truly is a historic day. And with this level of hospitality, in a palace this beautiful and an atmosphere this magnificent, you have no rivals. I may be biased, but that is exactly what I think.
Thank you very much.
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Good afternoon, everyone. Prime Minister, you mentioned the Italy-Albania protocol, which has now reached two years. As we know, this is a project that has remained inactive, as confirmed by the Italian magistracy and by the European Court of Justice. You said the centres will function. My question is: when will they function, and will you wait for the new migration pact to enter into force, since only a few months remain, costs are rising, the opposition is criticizing it, and these funds, it is said, could be used for other things more urgent?
Prime Minister Rama, are you regretful about this protocol? If yes or no, would you repeat this model with other countries?
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni:
First, we know very well that the opposition believes this initiative has not been and is not effective, given their stance on migration flows. But I can tell you that although this is debated a lot in Italy, in Europe there is now a group representing the majority of EU member states that meets before every meeting of the European Council to discuss migration, and this group was created precisely from the desire to find innovative solutions for addressing migration flows. It is a group inspired by the idea of replicating models such as the Italy-Albania protocol. And let me add, Prime Minister Edi Rama can testify to the fact that several European countries have long tried to join this same initiative and this s ame protocol. Why? Because everyone understands that an initiative of this kind is revolutionary in managing migration flows, potentially solving many of the issues we have discussed on multiple occasions.
We also know the reasons why the protocol has not functioned as it should have so far. Certainly, it will function when the new asylum agreement enters into force. Better solutions will be studied to make the best use of the remaining months. But I must point out something: if some transfers were blocked because countries such as Bangladesh and Tunisia were not considered safe countries, at the same time, the European Commission proposal for a list of safe countries includes these two countries. So, where is the logic? It is fair to suspect that these decisions had different motivations behind them.
What will happen is that regardless of how we use these remaining months before the protocol enters into force and before its deadline, once this pact enters into force, the centres will function exactly as they should have functioned from the beginning. Which means we have lost two years only to end up at the starting point. The responsibility for this is not mine. Two years have passed. We will arrive two years later at the very thing we should have done two years ago. Everyone will take their responsibility.
Prime Minister Edi Rama:
You ask me whether I regret it, but if you do not regret asking the same question for two years, how could I regret something after doing a hundred other things with your Prime Minister? I do not know what people watching your report will understand, because we spoke of many joint projects, which are not just projects that benefit Albania; they benefit Italy as well.
For example, it is great for Italians that the underwater interconnection project is moving forward, meaning that in a reasonable time, Italians may see improvements in their electricity bills. Or it benefits Italy that we are working so Italian companies can do more, invest more, and have more opportunities. It benefits Italy if it cooperates with us in the field of defence, because we cannot say only “why should we buy weapons from Americans”, but we must also look at how Italy can operate in this field with its products of excellence, helping Albania and other countries, and at the same time producing economic benefit for itself.
So, many things are being done while you continue to ask the same question. Not the same questions, the same question, because there is only one. Would I do the same thing again? I have said this from the beginning. With Italy, I would do it a hundred times, even if you remain against it a hundred times. With other countries, never. And I have told them the same. And when they ask me “why”, I tell them “because you are not Italy”. And that is a problem. These countries are not Italy. They are respected, admired for what they are, but if they are not Italians, they cannot ask Albania for whatever comes to their mind. Italy can ask Albania whatever comes to its mind, and we are always ready to say yes, because we feel part of this country.
Respecting the protocol, I will speak in Italian. You spoke about the first half of 2028, perhaps starting politically with the clusters. You said Albanian ministers speak Italian, but I assure you, we have ministers who speak very good Greek, but that does not help us with Athens. If we had a problem with Greece, what would Italy do?
Many of the agreements are related to the defence sector. It mentions two patrol boats, which will also be used to stop migratory flows. I want to remind you that the sister of Italy is also the Prime Minister of a nation of emigrants. And so I want to remind you of the heavy episode involving the ship Sibilla many years ago, and as far as I know, the Italian state has still not apologised.
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni:
Regarding the opening of the political dialogue, as I said earlier, we support Albania’s entry into the European Union. Respecting the rules, of course. I think the conclusion of the latest technical agreements shows the very good and extensive work done by Albania. We are following this and trying to facilitate it. In our plenary meeting today with the Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio, we also discussed the possibility of involving Italian universities and faculties of law in drafting legal texts, and so on. What we are doing is providing support in every direction.
About political dialogue, it is clear that we will support a positive conclusion of this dialogue. But I know there are tensions and difficulties. I know my Greek friends. I know Prime Minister Mitsotakis. They are people who have always worked for the good of Europe and its future. So I do not believe there is anything to fear in that regard.
Prime Minister Edi Rama:
I would say that both Italy and Greece are neighbouring countries. The presence of the sea between us allows some relaxation while meeting one another, while with the land borders, we are in immediate contact. Sometimes this can be more complicated because we do not have time to relax by swimming while crossing by boat. But that said, I would say that after a difficult moment for all the known reasons, we are on the right path. We are working well together. We have always said it: for us, the values and principles of minority protection are values that are inseparable from the identity of democratic Albania. And when Greece calls us to reflect on this or gives us remarks, they are welcome. Meanwhile, we are working on all the rest. I am very optimistic that by 2028, when Italy will have the presidency and Giorgia will lead the political negotiations for Albania’s membership in the EU, there will be no need for her to pull anyone’s ear, because everything will be resolved.
Regarding us as a nation of emigrants, I remember very well the episode you mentioned. But I also remember something else: that when Albanians arrived in Italy back then, we found open doors everywhere. If the Italian people choose a government democratically and that government asks for our help to fulfil its contract with the Italian people, we do this gladly, not only for the government but for the people it represents. We are more than happy to help because it is rare for Italy to ask Albania for help. Albania has asked Italy for help many times, and Italy has never refused. I will never forget what the Italian firefighters did during our earthquake. I was there. I met them. They were young men and women who came for the first time to Albania, in the darkness because it was at night. They were the first to arrive. They entered the rubble. They risked their lives to save people they did not know in a country they were seeing for the first time. Thanks to them, the number of victims was much lower than it could have been. These things remain forever, and they make Italy not just an ally or partner but a sister soul of Albania.
To finish, I want to say that they are not two boats. When the news is negative, people say two dinghies. But when the news is positive, they are what they actually are: two patrol vessels. But above all, there will be seven ships that will be built in Pasha Liman by an Italian Albanian company. The Italian side will be Fincantieri, the Albanian side will be KAYO, a joint enterprise that will create jobs, skills for young Albanians, pay them well, and supply Albania, Italy, and other countries if necessary, with ships that are essential today. This is just one of the things we signed and presented today. Thank you.
I want to remain on the EU accession process. This request goes back to 2009. The EU Ambassador in Tirana has asked what is being done about quality, how much quality reforms have. Do you feel confident?
For President Meloni: What can Italy do in the technical phase to support Albania, and does it have the intention and capacity to do so?
Prime Minister Edi Rama:
Many things are happening meanwhile. Today we are here speaking about these agreements, but at the same time many other things move forward between us, Italy, and many agencies. For example, today we spoke about the assistance Italy has given Albania for years, which is more than assistance: it is a transfer of knowledge for Albanian police officers through the Police Forces Academy, one of the best known in the world. Or as Giorgia said, today we spoke about increasing Italy’s assistance for our criminal codes, procedural codes, and European law texts, with involvement from Italian faculties of law, experts from the Ministry of Justice, and so on. In short, the work we are doing thanks to Italy’s accompaniment, not just today but from the beginning of this journey, is truly extensive. From the small things that seem small but are essential, to the major things such as the moment when Giorgia will preside over the European Council. I cannot wait for that day. And regarding everything else, I want to say that if we removed Italy from the entire framework of the last 35 years of Albania’s life and tried to understand where we would be, the only certainty is that Albania would not be the country it is today, but would be in much more complicated circumstances. I cannot say that for any other country.
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni:
I can fully and calmly sign on to everything my colleague said. If we want to open political negotiations, first we must close the technical ones. As I said earlier, I hope this coincides with Italy taking the presidency. If that happens, we will do everything to help Albania at that time, assisting seriously in the technical phase and within the necessary timelines because what seems like a lot of time to us may not be a lot of time for European bureaucracy. So there is work to be done together. I mentioned the example from our lunchtime discussion about operative support that our law faculties could give in drafting the Penal Code and more. This would be knowledge Italy can share comprehensively. Italy continues to do this also in other sectors because Italy is and continues to be what we call the cradle of law, so we are ready to accompany Albania in achieving this shared objective.
President, I want to ask you about something that happened 80 years ago. In September 1943 thousands of Italian soldiers scattered across Albania were saved by Albanians who hid them and protected them from the Nazis. Do you think the time has come for this page of mutual humanity to be commemorated and reassessed?
Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni:
Thank you. Yes, I think it deserves to be remembered and reassessed. We spoke about this with the Prime Minister. There are several projects progressing in this regard that have requested our support, and of course we will do our part. This is an extraordinary page of history and of our relations, showing precisely the closeness we have tried to reflect in these documents. It shows in an even deeper way the beauty of friendship and love, the willingness to sacrifice oneself for another, to take risks for another. This deserves recognition, and if our support is needed, we will give it.
Prime Minister Edi Rama:
I want to add that we are proud of two very important moments of our history. One is well known to Albanians but not to all our friends: the rescue of Jews during the Second World War, when Albania ended the war with more Jews than it started, and with no known case of a single person with a Jewish identity being surrendered to the Nazis. Another chapter is about Italian soldiers who remained in Albania when the Nazis arrived, about twenty-five thousand of them. They were saved by Albanians. Perhaps this will feed those who love polemics, but Italians have never been seen as true enemies, and indeed, when Italy capitulated, all Italian soldiers were protected by Albanians. One story reflects this beautifully: an Italian high-ranking officer died in Albania, and Albanians buried him with full honours. His son, an officer of the Italian army, became in 1991 the key person organising the Arcobaleno mission, through which Italy helped Albania during one of its most difficult moments after the fall of communism, before the light of freedom and democracy was visible. This is an important chapter. I hope the film about this story is completed soon, and I trust Minister Tajani will help us show it in the Chamber of Deputies, because in the Senate, our friend La Russa will certainly make it possible.
Thank you.
