Russian ambassador describes relations with Albania as friendly

TIRANA, May 11 – Russia’s ambassador in Tirana describes Russian-Albanian relations as friendly.
In an interview with Itar-Tass on Wednesday, Leonid Abramov said, “In recent years we can note that the political dialogue between Russia and Albania has developed intensively.”
Albania “remembers the role played by our country in 1950’s to help Albania achieve progress in the economy, culture and science,” he said, adding that “The political dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries is developing intensively.”
“In the past six months the parties have held three rounds of talks that focused on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.”
Cooperation in the field of culture and education is developing rather well, the diplomat said. This year Days of Russian Culture in Albania are expected to be held and Days of Albanian Culture in Russia will take place next year.
“Albania ranks first among European countries for the number of students who study in Russia. At least 500 Albanian students, post graduate students and trainees study in Russia,” the Russian ambassador stressed.
Abramov said, “The present years are jubilee years for Russian-Albanian relations.” The ambassador said, “Twenty years ago, in 1991, our countries re-established diplomatic relations. And 205 years ago, in 1806, the first Russian mission – the Russian consulate – was opened in the Albanian city of Vlore.”