Russia seeks to restore close cooperation with Albania

MOSCOW, Oct. 11 – Russia is seeking to restore close cooperation with Albania, according to Russian Ambassador in Tirana Alexander Prishchepov speaking at the Russian-Albanian business forum on Wednesday. “In particular, Russia seeks to restore active trade and economic interaction,” he said. “From the 1950’s Albania’s economy was oriented to the USSR, which practically created all industry of the country. Our states laid a reliable foundation for bilateral cooperation. This foundation will give us an opportunity of restoring comprehensive interaction based on market conditions.” Albanian Ambassador in Moscow Teodor Laco stressed, “the intergovernmental commission’s session and the signing of the agreements between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the two countries on the exchange of information will prove of both sides’ intention to restore traditional friendly relations after the eight-year break.” Russia and Albania maintain economic interaction, mainly in the field of trade. Russia’s export reaches about 100 million U.S. dollars. Partnership in the energy sector is a priority field in Russian-Albanian cooperation.