Uzbekistan and Albania elevate relations to a new stage

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Bajram Begaj of Albania held talks at the Kuksaroy residence with the participation of official delegations.

The leaders discussed prospects for further strengthening practical cooperation between the two countries.

At the beginning of the talks, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that the first summit in the history of Uzbek-Albanian cooperation would mark a historic milestone and elevate bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the intensification of political dialogue and contacts at various levels. They also noted the mutual support provided within the framework of the UN and other international organizations.

Particular attention was given to increasing bilateral trade and developing a comprehensive cooperation program in such priority areas as the agro-industrial sector, green energy, geology, information technology and digitalization, tourism, and others.

The parties agreed to explore the potential use of the Albanian port of Durrës as a logistics hub to facilitate access of Uzbek products to the markets of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

The importance of expanding the legal framework for trade, economic, and investment cooperation was emphasized.

In order to promote the economic agenda of cooperation, the parties also agreed to establish an Intergovernmental Commission and hold its first meeting in Tashkent this year.

In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, support was expressed for the organization of mutual Culture Days, cinema, exhibitions, and cultural tours.

The leaders also exchanged views on current regional and international issues.