Tirana asks Cairo to formally recognize Kosovo, urges solution to Syrian crisis.
TIRANA, April 2 – Stronger bilateral relations, Kosovo and the Syrian crisis were the key points in discussions the outgoing Albanian foreign minister Edmond Panariti held during a tour of Middle Eastern countries last week.
Panariti made a visit to Egypt Sunday where he met with top officials there.
Greater business ties with Egypt urged
In the meeting with President Mohamed Morsi they talked about bilateral ties and the cooperation in several fields especially in economy, trade and investment, culture and science. Panariti urged Egyptian investment, especially in energy, tourism, agriculture and transport. He also talked on the idea of setting a direct flight between Tirana and Cairo.
Panariti also hailed the democratic processes in Egypt and stressed that Tirana remains a model of tolerance for the inter-religious harmony.
Egypt still mulling Kosovo recognition
Panariti also promoted the Kosovo-Serbia talks and said Tirana hoped an agreement would be reached between the two countries. He highly evaluated the increased ties between Prishtina and Cairo and thanked Egypt for the support to Kosovo on membership into the World Bank, IMF and the EBRD. He also urged Egypt to formalize the recognition of Kosovo.
Morsi said that Egypt is following up the situation in Kosovo, adding that Egypt is mulling over recognizing Kosovo as an independent state, according to his press office.
Panariti also met with Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil to discuss on the same topics. They stressed the historical ties between the two countries and considered bilateral relations as very good. Panariti urged higher level visits in both countries and invited Qandil for a visit to Tirana.
Qandil also said that Egypt will continue to support Kosovo in the future and that it is seriously considering Kosovo recognition but considered that a gradual process.
Panariti also met with Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr and signed a cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreement. The ministers said both nations are willing to continue to develop cooperation in all fields of mutual interest. Albania requested increased economic cooperation in commerce, renewable energy, agriculture and tourism specifically.
Jordan, Albania say political solution key to Syrian crisis
Panariti also made a visit to Jordan to talk on bilateral and international issues.
In his meeting with Jordan’s counterpart Nasser Judeh, the two stressed that a political solution was the only way out in the crisis in Syria where the bloodshed is continuing.
Their discussions also covered efforts to relaunch peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis leading to the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state at the borders of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Panariti stressed the importance of the key role Jordan plays in addressing issues in the Middle East to realize stability in the country.
Panariti also met with Prime Minister Abdullah Nsour to discuss on how to further strengthen the bilateral ties, be they political or economic ones.
A number of Jordan’s companies are present in the Albanian market.
