The agreement provides for free access to archival documents for professors and students of the Department of History, including the provision of digital copies of documents at no cost—up to 20,000 images per year.

The agreement was signed in Prishtina by the heads of the two institutions—the General Director of Archives Auron Rrokaj and Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Dr. Bekim Baliqi—who got committed to producing high-quality publications and mutually enriching their respective libraries. Within the framework of this cooperation, students at the BA, MA, and PhD levels will be given the opportunity to undertake professional internships at the General Directorate of Archives in Tirana, while the parties will also collaborate on organizing seminars, training sessions, courses and joint projects. /a.f/p.s./

The agreement was signed by the Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji and the Commander of the ISF, Major General Jasper Jeffers.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi and the U.S. Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt.

Regarding this agreement, Minister Nufi stated that, as a founding member of the Peace Board, Albania reaffirms its commitment to contributing to international efforts aimed at establishing peace, ensuring security and creating conditions for lasting stability in Gaza. /m.q/r.e/j.p/p.s./

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Alessandro Ruggera, director of the Italian Institute of Culture, recalled that cooperation between the two institutions began in 2024 with an exhibition dedicated to Venice, featuring antique books published in the city and preserved at Albania’s Sotir Kolea Centre.

The new agreement aims to expand cooperation in professional training, scientific research and the promotion of library and documentary heritage.

Through the exchange of expertise and experience, as well as the development of innovative methods and technologies, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities to preserve and enhance Albania’s National Library collections.

The project is funded by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Its first phase includes a training programme lasting several weeks for three specialists from Albania’s National Library.

Ruggera said the partners hoped to continue their cooperation through additional funding and training opportunities, joint exhibitions and restoration projects.

Particular emphasis will be placed on restoring antique books, which represent a valuable documentary resource and preserve an important part of the country’s intellectual heritage. The exchange of expertise with Italian institutions is expected to strengthen professional skills in the conservation and protection of these collections.

The National Library’s extensive holdings are also expected to benefit from additional space once construction of its new building is completed. Together with expanded cooperation with Italian partners, the project is expected to create further opportunities to preserve, study and promote Albania’s library and documentary heritage for future generations.

/j.p/j.p/u.sh/

The DSCA announcement reaffirms the U.S. commitment to strong bilateral alliances and partnerships based on mutual respect, shared investments and strategic priorities.

In this context, Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi also commented, describing the news as significant—extending beyond the $302 million figure of the direct Foreign Military Financing loan from the U.S.

“The DSCA has announced the good news regarding the direct Foreign Military Financing loan with the United States. It is yet another confirmation of U.S. confidence in Albania, in our Alliance and in the path we have chosen for the upgrade of our Armed Forces,” said Nufi. According to Nufi, the direct loan agreement under Foreign Military Financing (FMF) represents a significant investment in our defense capabilities and in Albania’s ability to contribute even more to shared NATO security.

“Albania is turning its vision into concrete capabilities as it advances from The Hague Commitment to NATO 3.0. Moving beyond mere funding, this transition reflects deep trust, enduring strategic partnership, and a proactive investment in future security,” he concluded. /e.i/p.s./

According to the agreement, the two countries will split the recovered crime money equally. This proves that both countries work together to stop cross-border crime. The seized funds will now be used to help the public in both nations.

The arrangement was approved in a formal ceremony in Tirana on 13 July 2026, attended by Nicholas Abbott, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Albania, alongside Risena Xhaja, chief administrator of Albania’s Agency for the Management of Seized and Confiscated Property (AAPSK). It is the result of months of close collaboration between UK and Albanian law enforcement and judiciary, supported by the Home Office, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Crown Prosecution.

Serious organized crime remains a major threat to the UK and Albania. Criminal networks exploit weak borders and launder money using cash, informal transfers, and cryptocurrency. To fight this, both governments are working together to disrupt these groups and seize their illegal profits.

Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK) has greatly increased its recovery of criminal money over the last two years. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, authorities seized more than €58 million in assets. This included over 1,000 real estate confiscations, showing how often criminals use property to hide illegal wealth. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Inspector General Dashnor Sula and Director of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Ervin Koçi signed the agreement for their respective agencies.

The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency will share data and train staff to stop illegal money activities. The Inspectorate will report suspicious signs quickly, replying to normal requests in 10 days and urgent ones in 3 days.

This agreement strengthens cooperation between institutions and improves state efforts against money laundering and terrorist funding. Both agencies remain committed to sharing information, building skills and making financial activities in Albania safer and more transparent.

/gj.m/j.p/p.s./

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs called it a key step. It lets Albanian workers count their work time. It guarantees that Albanian citizens receive recognition for employment periods and can transfer social contributions involving Poland.

This deal joins similar agreements Albania has with Italy, Germany, Austria, and Canada.

According to the Foreign Ministry, this agreement adds more rights and opportunities for Albanian nationals living abroad. /m.m/a.f/p.s./

Nufi emphasized in the social media that since the time the two countries re-established the diplomatic relations in the 90-ies and following Albania’s NATO membership, this is the most evident fact of the US support for Albania in concrete and financial terms.

According to the minister, the agreement is not only a financial instrument, but a strategic investment with the intention of strengthening national security in the framework of the NATO 3.0 and Albania’s commitment to the Alliance.

The agreement also aims to strengthen capacities and upgrade the Armed Forces as well as to deepen partnership with the USA, said Nufi. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

“We are here today to mark a new chapter for the Pashaliman base. Together with leaders from the global shipping industry, we are proud to launch this strategic partnership between Fincantieri and KAYO”, said Rama.

He stated the agreement opens a new era, merging human capital with a multimillion-euro entrepreneurial venture.

“We are in the midst of a defense industry revival. The Fincantieri partnership is a critical first step, but it certainly won’t be the last as we rebuild our military manufacturing base”, Rama added.

According to the head of government, this enables an end-to-end defense supply chain, producing everything from basic gear to advanced technology.

“Central to this model is ‘Kayo’, a new state-owned enterprise representing public and national interests. Kayo ensures the Albanian state is both a legal and financial participant in these strategic partnerships”, Rama added.

The prime minister emphasized that this paves the way for mutual economic benefit between the private or public partners of the company and the company itself that represents the state.

Rama assessed that by preparing a new wave of local specialists to support the Pashaliman maritime hub, this agreement significantly strengthens the strategic partnership between Albania and Italy.

“Recently, we have made the breakthrough shift of centralizing the management of state assets and services through dedicated agencies. This transition ensures public resources are managed efficiently, improving service quality while delivering a clear economic return for the state”, he added.

Rama emphasized that this strategic partnership is generating 500 new roles, creating immediate opportunities for skilled professionals in the region.

“The new system brings 500 well-paid jobs, and we don’t have to look far to start. With Vlora’s local talent and the students at ‘Pavarësia’ Industrial School, we have the human resources we need to hit the ground running. Through this selective program, students will gain hands-on experience at a major Italian shipyard, working directly with the company’s master shipwrights”, stated Rama.

Rama considered this good news for Vlora and for our vocational education. /a.f/p.s./

Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi and Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine Serhiy Derkach signed the relevant agreement.

Minister Karakaçi said that this agreement is expected to accelerate the transport and transit activity of goods and passengers.

Aligning with the updated EU-Ukraine road transport agreement will significantly improve logistics and strengthen international trade relations. /p.s./