TIRANA, March 11 – Albania’s Prime Minister Sali Berisha held a two-day visit to Qatar to meet with top leaders strengthen the already strong relations between the two countries.
Berisha met with Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani.
He also met with the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
He then took participated in the signing of an agreement on economic, trade and technical cooperation between Qatar and Albania, signed by the Qatari Business and Trade Minister Sheikh Fahd bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Abdurrahman Al Thani and Albanian Finance Minister Ridvan Bode.
More agreements are expected to be signed in Tirana.
“We set goals for several other agreements expected to be signed in Tirana and all the relevant legal infrastructure for cooperation between our two countries should be created,” said Berisha.
Albania is especially interested in investments in the liquid gas extraction and processing.
Qatar and Albania reiterated their resolve to strengthen relations in all fields, especially in the economic sector.
Berisha said at a news conference together with al-Thani that Albania might get a loan from Qatar to develop infrastructure.
Berisha also said that his talks with the Emir and the premier were very fruitful.
“I am happy that my visit to Qatar would be followed by a visit by the Emir and the Qatari premier to my country,” he said.
The Albanian premier said that his country would soon open an embassy in Doha, urging Qatari businessmen to invest in his country.
“There are many Qatari companies working in the tourism sector in Albania and they are achieving quick progress.”
Berisha welcomed Qatari companies working in the energy, health and education fields.
The Albanian premier said the Emir and the premier had shown great interest in the gas liquid project in Albania which was a huge project “and Qatari investors are welcome”. The two countries also agreed to facilitate the issue of visas for their citizens.
Al Thani also said that a major Qatar company was making large investments in a tourist area and the project was progressing in a smooth way.
Qatar also expressed interest in other fields like energy, minerals, fruit plantations and olive projects.
“We are very focused on the stimulation of Qatar entrepreneurs to come and invest in Albania,” said Berisha.
Kosovo
A special part of Berisha’s diplomacy during his visit to Qatar was paid to Kosovo and its recognition by Muslim countries. He urged the Organization of Islamic Conference, in which Albania is a member, to recognize the new state because that would significantly help create a peaceful and prosperous zone in the Balkans.
Kosova has been recognized by 56 countries.
The Emir said he was giving due consideration to the demand for Kosovo’s recognition and also expressed his happiness at Kosovar progress in their the road toward modernization.
