Albanians discuss ties with Spain

TIRANA, Oct 5 – The conference titled “Spain-Albania: A compared approach for a strategic partnership” took place at the end of September with the participation of policymakers, civil society, and media.
Given the imminent Spanish presidency of the EU, the main aim of this conference was to draw up the main partnership points between the two countries.
The discussion focused on a comparative approach to Albania’s and Spain’s democratic reform processes, such as state building, evolution of civil society, and economic development.
The speakers also provided analysis and proposals for the next Spanish EU presidency and the new Albanian government term.
Speakers included Spanish Ambassador Manuel Montobbio, Albanian Integration Minister Majlinda Bregu, former President Rexhep Meidani, Jordi Vaquer, Director of Barcelona Center for International Studies (CIDOB), Piro Misha, Director of Institute of Dialogue and Communication, Antonio Guti곲ez Vegara, Member of Spanish Parliament, Xavier Vidal Folch, Journalist, El Pa Alicia Cebada, Director, Crisis Management and Peace building Programme at Toledo International Centre for Peace (CITpax), Remzi Lani, Director of Albanian Media Institute, and Albert Rakipi, Director of Albanian Institute of International Studies.