Berisha at the Istanbul economic forum

TIRANA, Nov 3 – Prime Minister Sali Berisha was among nine heads of state and government, 21 ministers and over 40 other public figures who attend the World Economic Forum in Istanbul, held Oct 30 – Nov 1.
The forum was the first regional meeting since the beginning of the global financial crisis which is currently affecting economies worldwide.
The meeting theme was “Confronting Challenges in Defining a Collaborative Future” focusing on five main areas: business opportunities stemming from the crisis, geopolitical moves and rebuilding confidence in political cooperation, energy and resources security. Another topic discussed was Central Asia: redefining the framework of collaboration and its role in the world and Turkey and its leadership role in the region, bridging Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
During his visit, Berisha met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoganm who stressed Turkey’s commitment to continue supporting Albania into full integration of NATO.
Both premiers spoke of the excellent relations that exist between the two governments and countries. Turkish Premier Erdogan also reconfirmed his government’s effort to lure businesses to invest in Albania.
Berisha and Erdoganm also discussed current developments in the region, particularly the recent events in Kosova, voicing their strong support in assisting an independent Kosova in building its sovereign institutions, stressing “the importance of Kosovo independence as the main contributor to peace and stability in the region.”