TIRANA, April  28 /ATA/ As part of the state visit to Croatia, President of the Republic Bajram Begaj had a working lunch on Friday with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic.

President Begaj expressed his gratitude for the support that Croatia gave to Albania for overcoming the consequences of the devastating earthquake in November 2019, as well as during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After congratulating Prime Minister Plenkovic for Croatia’s latest achievements in the framework of EU and for entering the Schengen area and the Eurozone, Begaj underlined that Croatia remains the best example for Albania on its European journey.

In this context, Begaj also expressed gratitude for the support that Croatia has given to Albania in EU integration process with experts and expertise.

Referring to the strategic partnership between the two countries, the two interlocutors highlighted the traditionally excellent relations, as well as the need to advance them in the framework of economic cooperation.

Special attention was also paid to the possibility of increasing cooperation in the field of tourism, with special emphasis on the establishment of a direct air route Tirana-Zagreb, but also sea lines connecting the port of Durrës with the ports of Croatia.

Prime Minister Plenkovic assured President Begaj of the will of the Croatian side in advancing these projects of mutual interest.

While in the framework of regional cooperation and European integration, President Begaj expressed gratitude for the support that Croatia has given to the process of European Union enlargement with the countries of the Western Balkans.

President Begaj also appreciated the great contribution and support that Croatia has given to Kosovo in all aspects, including support for its membership in regional and international organizations.

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