By Franco Frattini
Divided by a small stretch of sea Italy and Albania are traditionally united by a friendship reinforced even further in the course of the last few years, both regarding the relationship between the two peoples, but also at an official, political and economic level. Italy has now strongly positioned itself as Albania’s lead partner in trade, the biggest investor and donor.
As a matter of fact, on the economic front we cover 33 per cent of Albania’s overall foreign exchanges and hundreds of Italian firms have shifted operations to “The Land of the Eagle” due to the advantages provided by geographical proximity, the widespread usage of the Italian language as well as the positive performances the Albanian economy has recorded these last few years. In the sector of energy in particular, over these last three years, Italian industrial groups of small and significant sizes, have concluded accords with the Government to build projects in the field of renewable energy worth approximately 3 billion Euros, thus confirming the interest our economic operators have in the potential this market offers.
The presence in Italy of such an active Albanian community, so large in numbers that it now occupies first place among all communities which are not a part of the EU, and the ability of this community to integrate has become, with the passage of time, an important resource for both countries, as well as the foundations of an exceptionally stable relationship between civil societies. Suffice it to mention that more than 20 thousand young Albanian men and women pursue studies at Italian universities; a human capital which sinks the roots of an ever closer rapport between these two countries for the future as well.
The huge economic commitment Italy has undertaken is instigated by humane reasons, but it is also dictated by the common interest to transform the Adriatic-Balkans region into a zone of stability and opportunity. This is the reason why we decided to line ourselves up alongside our Albanian friends in the institutional development and in the socio-economic growth, undertaking an extraordinary commitment, which in the 90-ties of the last Century assumed the form of emergency aid, and later on, with the shift in the demands of the country, this aid was transformed into intervention, chiefly structural, suitable for the maturity of the Albanian context.
Since the downfall of the regime to the present day, “the outstretched hand” of Italy has concretely delivered a contribution of more than one billion Euros, to which a further intervention of 51 billion Euros will be added over the two year period 2010-2012, with which the Cooperation will assist the development of small and medium size businesses as well as rural zones. The goal is to assist our Albanian friends in softening the growing differences between urban and rural zones without neglecting the social sector, and in particular, healthcare and education.
On the political plane, Italy has always been Albania’s chief supporter in its process of integrating into the European Union and liberalizing visas. Last year, we were one of the most resolute supporters of Albania’s membership to NATO. We did this because we value not only the internal improvements that have been realized, but also the role of moderating and balancing which Albania has played on the regional plane. With its very active commitment in the fight against crime and illegal trafficking, Tirana has shown its will and maturity to play a role of stability generator for the region.
As I was saying, Italy has shown, in deeds, the support it has provided Albania on its course of its growth and its European aspirations. Foreign assistance needs to be accompanied by correct dynamic policies inside the country, and in particular, in Parliament, through healthy and constructive political dialogue between the Ruling Majority and the Opposition, to inject momentum into the process of reforms, essential for the course of joining the EU.
To highlight the special character of the ties between our two peoples and countries, the Italian Embassy in Tirana, in cooperation with public and private, Italian and Albanian subjects, has decided to organize, “Italy and Albania 2010 – two Peoples, a Sea, one Friendship.” The program is particularly rich: from March through to June more than 80 activities are on the calendar, ranging from culture to the economy, from education to sports and dialogue through civil society, which may be even further enriched by the creation of an Italo-Albanian Dialogue Forum.
Cultural activities designed for the public at large, such as exhibitions, concerts and cinematographic reviews will be combined with moments of reflection about what Italy has achieved with Albania to date and ways to solve the challenges of future commitment. I would recommend, as one of the more important activities, an Albanian edition of Fiera del Levante, an international conference on Corridor 8 and also a conference with the goal of creating privileged relations with the Albanian administration towards which IPA funding will be channeled.
The aim is that the profound friendship and unity of goals which bring us together, the strategic partnership, as we call it in the political jargon, does not remain merely a reality of today, but also of the years to come.
Foreign Affairs Minister of Italy
Exclusively for the newspaper Panorama
