Hoxha expressed his gratitude to his Austrian counterpart for Austria’s continued support for Albania’s path towards the EU.

During the meeting, there was highlighted the unwavering role that Austria plays in promoting and supporting the European perspective for the Western Balkans, particularly through its leadership in the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group.

FM Hoxha added that, “Our economic partnership is stronger than ever and that Austria remains one of the main strategic investors in Albania”.

“Together, we discussed ways to further expand this footprint in areas of common interest”, Hoxha said after the meeting.

According to the minister, the close ties between the two countries are also reflected in the increasing number of Austrian visitors to Albania each year.

They also discussed the growing complexity of the European and global geopolitical landscape.

“Albania and Austria stand together in advancing regional stability, strengthening resistance to emerging hybrid threats, including FIMI and contributing to a stronger, more resilient and united Europe,” Hoxha said. /m.m/r.e/p.s./

The two ministers discussed cooperation in border management, the fight against organised crime and coordination in addressing shared European security challenges.

In a post on social media on Friday, Lamallari described Austria as an important partner for Albania’s European integration path and efforts to enhance public security.

“Partnership with Austria remains important on our path toward European integration and in guaranteeing greater security for our citizens,” Lamallari said.

He also noted that Albania was increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Austrian tourists and investors, highlighting the growing economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

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During the meeting, the two ministers discussed on potential areas for cooperation, including drafting of a new cooperation agreement in health for the period 2026–2030, as well as modernization of the health infrastructure, with strategic investments in emergency medical services, advanced medical technology and the reform of the hospital system.

The ministry issued a press release in which it is expressed its commitment to further promotion of the partnership with Austria, with the aim of improving health services and increasing social welfare for all citizens.

Meanwhile, within the framework of the official visit to Austria, Minister Sala held a meeting yesterday at the International Atomic Energy Agency.

According to the Ministry, investments are being made in people and safe innovation, leading responsibly and setting standards for the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

During the meeting, the parties held open discussions on common priorities and the progress of the EU accession process, where Austria has been and remains a steadfast supporter.

“A great working day in Tirana, marked by the visit of my friend and colleague, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Austria. The meeting was held in a spirit of understanding and friendship that makes every joint step even more significant”, emphasized Spiropali in a post on social networks.

Minister Spiropali praised Vienna’s constructive role in promoting reforms and in bringing the Western Balkans closer to the European Union.

“The talks focused on our common priorities and Austria’s unwavering support for Albania’s journey towards the EU, a process that requires merit, determination and the will to move quickly and correctly,” Spiropali underlined.

The visit continued at the House of Europe, where the two ministers met with the Young European Ambassadors, an active and creative generation that brings new ideas and positive energy to the transformation of the region.

“The visit continued at the House of Europe, where we met with the Young European Ambassadors. They are a generation that thinks differently, creates more and acts with heart, young people who bring new ideas and give our region space for change and transformation,” Spiropali wrote.

Minister Spiropali described the day as evidence that Albania’s European future is built through dialogue, trust and partnership with friends who believe that the time to move forward is now.

“This is a day that reminds us that Albania’s European future is built through friendship, trust and commitment of those who believe that the time to move forward is now,” Spiropali said. /gj.m/r.e/p.s./

In this concert marathon, more than 1,400 spectators who filled the hall of the Opera and Ballet House were excited at listening to the Viennese music.

Vienna “Johann Strauss” Symphony Ensemble brought the “200 Years of Strauss” concert, within the framework of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the well-known composer which at the same time also marked opening of the Austrian Cultural Week in Tirana, which comes in cooperation with the Austrian Embassy.

The selected program revealed the most poetic side of Strauss’s creativity, with gems such as “Wo die Zitronen blühn” and “Dorfschwalben aus Österreich” by Josef Strauss.

In the second half, the stage was lit up by the energy of the polka and the rhythm of the waltz, culminating in the “Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka” and “An der schönen blauen Donau”. /r.e/a.f/p.s./

During the meeting, they talked on the unconditional friendship between our two countries and the strong support that Austria continues to provide to the rapid integration of Albania into the heart of Europe, Spiropali wrote in a post in the social media.

Spiropali also represents Albania in several important multilateral and bilateral meetings, where the issues of international security, sustainable development and human rights are at the center of the discussions. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

“I was deeply saddened by the news of the tragic loss of your daughter Lea from our municipality, who lost her life following a shooting at a secondary school in the Austrian city of Graz”, wrote Viti mayor.

Lea Bajrami is among the eleven people killed by a 21-year-old former pupil from Graz who did not finish school and later on killed himself in a school bathroom.

President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani wrote in her reaction in the x platform that, “Today’s horrific attack at a school in Graz, Austria, is devastating. Schools should be places where children dream, learn, and grow, not sites of violence and terror.”/p.s./

The Prayer Breakfast is a traditional event in both the United States Congress and the European Parliament, as well as in parliament of the European Union member states and it brings together lawmakers, distinguished political and public personalities, religious leaders and business representatives.

Austrian lawmakers and MPs from EU member states, U.C. Congress members, public, political and religious leaders attended the event in the Austrian Parliament.

At a meeting on the sidelines of the Prayer Breakfast, Speaker Spiropali and Walter Rosenkranz, the President of Austria’s National Council, discussed the excellent bilateral relations and Austria’s steadfast support for Albania’s EU accelerated membership.

Spiropali underlined that the Assembly of Albania will further advance successful cooperation with Parliament of Austria based on the protocol the parliaments of both countries have signed in 2020.

Speaker Spiropali also met with the former President of the Austrian Parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka, and other lawmakers and distinguished personalities from Austria and other countries.

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According to the visit agenda, Begaj will first meet with Austrian President Van der Bellen and the two will appear at a joint press conference.

Albanian head of state will also hold talks with Austria’s new Prime Minister Christian Stocker.

During his stay in Austria, President Begaj will also meet with Albanian expats in Vienna, and in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria.

Albania-Austria diplomatic relations date back to the 18th century and Austria has been one of the key allies of Albania from the country’s independence to present-day support for Euro-Atlantic integration.

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Çela wrote in the social media that, “This memorandum of understanding between the National Tourism Agency and the Austrian Tourism Board is a great opportunity to further develop tourism in Albania and to bring more Austrian visitors”.

“Austria is considered a pioneer in sustainable tourism, therefore the cooperation with Oesterreich Werbung offers us valuable opportunities to further develop Albania as an attractive destination and to enhance the travel experience for Austrian visitors”, emphasized Çela.

At the meeting, Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger stated that, “Austria has decades of experience in tourism, especially in internationalization and networking of the global market. We want to use this expertise to support Albania in its dynamic development as a tourist destination.”

During 2024, Albania was visited by over 71 thousand Austrian visitors. /k.s/j.p/p.s./