Albania, Israel set to boost cooperation

TIRANA, Oct. 6 – The Albanian and Israeli government have reconfirmed their commitment to boost economic cooperation, especially in tourism, energy agriculture but also in education, culture and security. The confirmation came on Wednesday during a meeting Prime Minister Sali Berisha had with visiting Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Intelligence and Atomic Energy, Dan Meridor.
Premier Berisha reiterated the Albanian government’s efforts guaranteeing a favourable business climate, especially for foreign direct investment which is protected under a special newly approved law.
Appreciating Albania’s economic and financial reforms, the Israeli deputy PM said “his government would make every effort urging Israeli and Jewish to come and invest in many sectors which could bring success stories for them.”
Albania is considered the only country in Europe which had a larger Jewish population at the end of the WW II than before it
Earlier on Tuesday, Dan Meridor, who took over as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy in March 2009 also had a meeting with Economy and Energy Minister Ilir Meta discussing concrete cooperation projects.
Asked on a possible cooperation with Israel on Albania’s plans to build a nuclear power plant, Meta did not rule out the option.
“The deputy Prime Minister is also the Atomic Energy Minister,” said Meta, assuring of transparency if any further steps are taken.