TIRANA, July 19 – Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic came to Tirana on Wednesday for a two-day visit hosted by Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta, to discuss a possible future strategic cooperation between the countries.
On Wednesday, Meta welcomed Kitarovic with a state ceremony that was followed by a joint press conference.
“We have excellent, centuries-long relations with Croatia, share historic ties. Croatia continues to be a strong supporter of the start of Albania’s EU accession talks. Croatia’s EU example and experience is precious to us Albanians.”
Meta also said they’d work on raising the cooperation between them to a strategic level, as there is great opportunities for the entire region to cooperate in the fields of tourism, energy and infrastructure.
On her side, Kitarovic reconfirmed Croatia’s support towards Albania’s EU membership road, but also raised concerns for the quality of the countries’ shared Adriatic Sea, and the disadvantages it would bring to both if it kept being polluted.
Kitarovic also met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Head of Parliament Gramoz Ruci, head of opposition Democratic Party Lulzim Basha and Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj.
On Thursday, Kitarovic spoke at the Albanian parliament, where she said that Albania was Croatia’s friend, when its friends were few.
“A lot of Albanians sacrificed themselves for Croatia, and we don’t forget that,” Kitarovic said.
“The opening of the Croatian Embassy to Tirana in 1994 was an important event for the countries’ relations. Now, Croatia and Albania engage in joint Afghanistan operations. Croatia strongly supports Albania’s European perspective, its path towards EU integration and welcomes the progress achieved so far.”
Last but not least, Kitarovic is to visit Durres, as the city where the croatian environmental protection project for the cities of Berat and Kruja will be launched.
