On the first day of the official visit to Helsinki, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, was received in a meeting by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen.

The focus of the discussions were the good bilateral relations between the two countries, EU expansion, cooperation in the Western Balkans and global security, etc.

Minister Hasani appreciated Finland’s support in Albania’s journey towards EU membership, as he reiterated that Albania has met all the conditions for holding the second Intergovernmental Conference with the EU.

“We are NATO allies and we are very happy that Finland is joining the ranks of such an important commitment that we have for our common defense and security.  As a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Albania appreciates Finland’s help and guidance in this process,” he said.

The Albanian chief diplomat said that Finland’s membership in NATO strengthens Euro-Atlantic security and is concrete evidence of NATO’s open door policy.

The Finnish Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, thanked the Albanian side for the support in NATO membership, as she appreciated the views of her counterpart Hasani regarding the strengthening of the functioning of the OSCE.

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, also held a meeting with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb.  The two officials expressed the willingness of the two countries to intensify economic relations, especially in tourism, culture and education, where there is great potential for mutual benefits.

Earlier in the day, Minister Hasani visited the Oodi Central Library, one of the most iconic places in Helsinki.