During the meeting, the president praised Belgium’s decision to open its first resident embassy in Tirana.

The interlocutors reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, driven by shared European values, active political dialogue and robust cooperation within the NATO and global organizations.

Begaj praised Belgium’s continued support for Albania’s European integration process, emphasizing that for Albania, integration into the European Union remains a priority.

The Head of State assured Ambassador Cogen of the support of the Institution of the President and Albanian institutions in the successful accomplishment of her diplomatic mission in Albania. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

“Taking a break from official duties let us enjoy a warm conversation and strengthen our partnership on key shared goals”, wrote Minister Nufi in the social media.

Belgian Minister of Defense Theo Francken has chosen Albania to spend his summer holidays.

Arriving at the height of tourist season, his visit highlights Albania’s growing appeal. Famous visitors frequently choose the country to unwind far from official duties.

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Hoxha wrote in the x network that attending the event were experts, diplomats, policymakers and representatives of research institutes, with whom they discussed the enlargement of the European Union as a geopolitical necessity and a strategic investment for the future of Europe.

“A stable, secure and fully integrated Western Balkans is vital to Europe’s geopolitical resilience and strategic relevance in a complex world,” Hoxha emphasized.

Further on, FM Hoxha assessed that, “The prospect of EU membership remains the driving force behind Albania’s modernization, sparking critical improvements in democratic institutions, the rule of law, public administration, and the overall economy”.

“It has also solidified Albania’s commitment to the European vision,” Hoxha said.

The minister stressed that a merit-based enlargement process is essential for mutual progress. He emphasized that strategic dialogue and open debate are vital to build consensus and communicate the true value of integration to all European citizens. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

Peleshi highlighted the significance of Parliamentary interaction as an essential mechanism for promoting political and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Peleshi thanked his Belgian counterpart Peter De Roover for Belgium’s continued support for Albania’s European integration, especially during the successful chair of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He reaffirmed that membership in the European Union remains a national strategic objective for Albania and that the ambition towards the European family is based on the principle of merit, transformative reforms and concrete results.

On his part, President De Roover praised Albania’s significant progress on the path towards the European Union and underlined that this support will continue, emphasizing that the EU integration process remains the central pillar of parliamentary cooperation.

During the meeting with President Blondel, there was discussed on the deepening of Parliamentary cooperation, strengthening the rule of law and the exchange of experiences in reform processes. Speaker Peleshi praised the contribution of Belgian expertise in the fields of justice, public administration and order, as well as the close cooperation between the law enforcement institutions of the two countries.

The interlocutors also talked on matters of migration, cooperation in the field of internal affairs, as well as the prospects for expanding economic relations. Peleshi highlighted the role of the Albanian Diaspora in Belgium as an important bridge connecting the two countries and expressed the readiness to further promote bilateral cooperation.

During these meetings, Speaker of the Assembly was accompanied by a Parliamentary delegation composed of MPs Igli Hasani, Ulsi Manja, Evis Kushi, as well as the Ambassador of Albania to Belgium Albana Dautllari. /p.s./

Spiropali expressed gratitude to Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen for the decisions, calling them a reflection of Albania’s steady progress in its EU integration process.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen for these important decisions to open their respective embassies in Tirana. These steps come at a key moment for Albania and reflect the stable and rapid progress of our integration into the European Union,” Spiropali said.

She added that Albania welcomes a deepening of bilateral cooperation, stressing that the move strengthens shared commitment to a safer and stronger Europe.

“We value the trust of these friendly countries in Albania’s reforms, stability and contribution to regional security, and we welcome the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, as well as within NATO and other international forums, advancing our shared commitment to a stronger and safer Europe,” Spiropali said.

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“As soon as they got notice of a Belgian tourist stranded at the place called “Shkëmbi i Tujanit”, the Police services organized the work to locate and assist the tourist. Due to the difficult terrain and the darkness of the night, there were carried out searches in cooperation with the Alpine Unit of the National Security Force of Tirana”, the Police said.

According to the Police, after several hours of search, they managed to find the 26-year-old tourist, in good health, and remove him from the place where he had been stranded.

“The tourist expressed grateful thanks to the Police officers for the quick assistance. The State Police is committed to help the citizens and tourists in any situation and has made available the toll-free number 112,” the Police said. /r.e/a.f/p.s./

Legendary shapes and epic models interspersed in 265 classic cars will be on May 13-16 in “Italy Square” in Tirana bringing a typical Retro atmosphere to the Albanian capital.

Under the philosophy of experiencing an unforgettable journey behind the wheel of a car with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere, ‘Tour Amical’ is holding its 19th edition with the destination Sofia – Prishtina – Skopje – Tirana – Budva – Dubrovnik.

The 19th edition of the ‘Amical Tour’ will reveal the unknown pearls of the Balkans. They say that the wonderful roads through Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia connect historical cities as well as new destinations. The countries of the Balkans offer a wide range of diverse landscapes and spectacular roads. These places display the legacy of a rich and eventful past, but are also growing in tourism.

‘Tour Amical’ qualifies Tirana as a city as pleasant as Berlin, ruins and history as fascinating as those of Rome, cafes and bars, comfortable like in Amsterdam and prices, even more favorable than Krakow. For them, Tirana is the jackpot!

They also say that Albania is a developing country, which is quite well noticed in Tirana, which gives us an idea of what awaits us further in Albania. It is a rich blend of culture and tasteful modernization, which creates a pleasant atmosphere.

Retro Albania invites all people fond of retro cars to enjoy the collection of classic ‘Tour Amical’ vehicles and to share common experiences as a community. /gj.m/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama published today on social networks an informative video about the winning project of Durrës stadium.

The project received the consensual support of the jury carrying the most surprising vision and the most adaptable development program, in terms of football, sport, culture, community and also the identity of the old and new city.

The project of the Belgian architecture studio 51N4E conceived the stadium as part of the city, where the life of the community is intertwined with the activities and sports that the new stadium will offer.

Thus, the “Niko Dovana” stadium in Durrës becomes the next sports infrastructure facility after Korça stadium which will be transformed into a new multi-functional center for the city.

Following the construction of the new stadium, there will be offered optimal conditions for the main competition, football, but also business and entertainment will have their own dedicated spaces, where there will be attractions for all those who visit Durrës.

The project envisages basketball and football training fields, two outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

Also, the stadium will be below the ground level so that the city is an inclusive part of the panorama when entering the stadium. There is planned building of cultural and sports centers, hotels, offices and shopping centers around the stadium, as well as the development center for conventions and the National Film Festival.

The international competition which was announced in February this year selected three prestigious architecture studios in the final stage: 51N4E (Belgium) Bjarke Ingels Group, BIG (Denmark) and MVRDV (Netherlands) to publicly present their architectural proposals to a jury composed of international personalities in the field./m.m/p.s./