Morocco-Albania: Albania can establish itself as the Kingdom’s gateway to the Balkans, while Morocco can become a strategic hub for the Albanian private sector in Africa.

The visit to Morocco by the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Igli Hasani, illustrates the desire of the two countries to strengthen their bilateral relations and establish a real partnership in all areas, affirmed in Rabat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad, Mr. Nasser Bourita. Speaking at a joint press briefing following his talks with Mr. Hasani, on a working visit to the Kingdom from March 1 to 4, Mr. Bourita added that this first visit of its kind by the Albanian minister is of particular importance, insofar as it comes within the framework of the solid relations uniting the two countries. Morocco and Albania are linked by solid and historic relations, based on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, he recalled, noting that these relations, although based on solid foundations, need to be energized in terms of their mechanisms, enriched in terms of their content and enhanced in terms of ambitions. He indicated that the two countries agreed on the reactivation of the political dialogue mechanism, specifying, in this regard, that it was agreed to hold, before the end of the current year, the Joint Commission between the two countries, knowing that several identified areas of sectoral cooperation can be developed, in accordance with the aspirations of both parties. Mr. Bourita indicated that the two parties also agreed to strengthen the legal framework aimed at encouraging the private sector to play a more active role in bilateral relations, raising the possibility of organizing an economic forum bringing together businessmen from both before the end of the year, the aim being to explore commercial and investment opportunities. Noting that Morocco considers Albania as a key player in the Western Balkans and among the countries having an essential role in the stability and development of this region, the minister noted that this country can establish itself as a gateway to the Kingdom in this region of the world, while Morocco can become a strategic hub for the Albanian private sector in Africa. Mr. Bourita also underlined that the joint declaration signed between the two countries includes several points constituting a real roadmap for the development of bilateral relations between Morocco and Albania in the years to come.