Strengthening economic ties between Albania and Spain contributes to the regional stability of the EU, the Western Balkans, and the Mediterranean region, from east to west.

During his official visit to Spain, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, focused on the importance of economic diplomacy in Albania’s European journey.

At the Albania-Spain business forum, Minister Hasani emphasized that Albania’s strategic location and business-friendly environment make it a smart choice for investors and tourists.

“Albania is committed to a business-friendly environment, streamlining bureaucracy and promoting entrepreneurship. Albania’s rich cultural heritage and its strategic location connect us with the Mediterranean, strengthening our commitment to promoting stability and addressing common challenges. From tourism to industry, energy, and export markets, Albania offers promising opportunities for growth and cooperation,” Minister Hasani stated in his speech.

In his speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Spain, Albanian Chief Diplomat Hasani highlighted that the Mediterranean is one of the three guiding pillars of Albanian foreign policy.

“The three main strategic directions of Albania’s foreign policy are: European integration, regional dimension, and Mediterranean dimension. The Mediterranean has become an important element of our foreign policy, but also an important element in our relations with Spain and other Mediterranean and EU partners,” he said.

The Elcano Royal Institute was another stop for Minister Hasani on the first day of his stay in Spain, where he emphasized the need to accelerate the integration process of the Western Balkans into the EU.

In 2023, Spain ranked 9th among Albania’s largest trading partners.

The Spanish market is the 5th largest in value for Albanian exports and the 13th supplier for Albania.