According to the President’s Office, the two officials discussed the need for political dialogue and efforts to find a way out of the current institutional impasse, with the aim of forming institutions as soon as possible and allowing the country to move forward in line with its constitutional order.

Haxhiu expressed appreciation for Great Britain’s continued support for Kosova and its role as an important partner, the statement said.

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In a statement released on social media following the meeting, Interior Minister Hoxha emphasized the strong and ongoing security cooperation between Albania and the United Kingdom.

“Our discussion focused on the continued bilateral collaboration under the Joint Action Plan on Organized and Serious Crime, with particular emphasis on the strategic priority of asset recovery from criminal activity,” Hoxha said.

He noted that making the new Asset Recovery Office operational is one of the key recommendations of the European Union and a critical component of Albania’s EU integration agenda.

The Interior Minister underlined that the ministry has received consistent support from international partners in this field. “The UK’s support at this stage is a valuable contribution to consolidating this new institutional mechanism, as part of implementing the National Strategy against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 2024–2030,” he said.

According to Hoxha, the two also discussed possibilities for expanding this support, including advanced training for asset recovery experts and institutional partners, support for international and regional operational meetings, the establishment of direct channels with UK counterparts, the development of a case-analysis database in line with British best practices.

“Albania remains fully committed to pushing forward this vital process to strengthen the rule of law and strike at organized crime by following the money of illegal origin,” Hoxha concluded.

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Speaking at a roundtable discussion on election integrity, attended by Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor Altin Dumani and State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi, the British diplomat stressed that ongoing challenges focus on public trust in the democratic process.

“Elections are a combination of the people and political actors,” Abbott said, adding that reforms should promote inclusivity for women and minority groups and ensure transparent campaign financing so voters know who funds political campaigns.

Abbott also highlighted persistent issues with media access for smaller parties and the underrepresentation of women in parliament.

He urged lawmakers to take action, with support from civil society and international partners, to safeguard fair elections ahead of Albania’s 2030 EU accession goals and broader European security challenges.

Abbott noted the new parliament would feature many young lawmakers, calling on them to champion electoral fairness and reform.

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British Ambassador praised SPAK’s efforts to strengthen Albanian democracy through investigation of electoral offenses, particularly now that the country prepares for the May 11 general elections.

“In the run up to elections, we welcome SPAK’s efforts to support Albanian democracy through investigation of electoral crimes. In its five years of operation, SPAK has become one of Albania’s most trusted institutions and is internationally recognized as such,” British Embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.

British Embassy stated that he UK remains committed to partnering with SPAK, with plans for further collaboration in 2025.

Last month, SPAK unveiled a strategy to investigate and prevent election-related offences ahead of upcoming general elections. The strategy includes establishing a special investigative unit, monitoring on the ground, media surveillance, and financial oversight.

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The British diplomat visited the towns of Kukes and Tropoje on Wednesday, pledging that UK is a partner in growth and entrepreneurship in the two northern Albanian regions.

“We believe in the potential of Albania and we’re committed to working with you as Partners for Progress,” Abbot said.

“The United Kingdom has a long commitment to support development here and throughout Albania. Over the years we have invested in projects that have improved economic development and education for young people. We want them to excel, contribute to their country through entrepreneurship and compete successfully in the technology market,” Abbott said.

British Ambassador said that Kukes is home to a vibrant community with rich culture and history.

“I am particularly impressed by the innovative business ideas introduced by the younger generation and the spirit of the people here. It is this spirit that inspires our partnership,” he added.

Through the embassy tour – Abbott went on saying – we present initiatives that help local residents in northern Albania to build their future here.

“We are creating opportunities in technology, business and other key sectors,” Abbott concluded.

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The British diplomat congratulated Qose on his appointment as new prisons director.

“They discussed the continued progress of the UK’s provision of British expertise to modernize Albania’s prisons and improve security, including at the new women’s prison in Pogradec, and the technical assistance provided to the Albanian prison system,” British Embassy in Tirana said on

The meeting reaffirmed the strong programme of engagement between the UK and Albania and committed to explore what more can be done together on prison and court reform.

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During meeting, Health Minister Koçiu and British Ambassador King-Smith discussed ways to further enhance health and social protection cooperation between Albania and Great Britain.

Health Minister Koçiu said that she and the British diplomat emphasized the importance of exchanging mutual experience to improve care quality for citizens.

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In an interview with “Newsline” talk show on ABC News TV, British diplomat underlined that Albanian politicians should work in best interest of their citizens.

Smith added that sanctions have been imposed on certain Albanian politicians, confirming that the United Kingdom won’t cooperate with these individuals.

“It’s very important for the country to have a functional parliament, because this is in the best interest of democracy and the citizens. This is both the opposition and the majority’s responsibility,” the British diplomat said.

“We pursue a broad approach without defining groups of individuals. There are specific decisions about specific individuals and we won’t engage with them. We want dialogue and engagement with others. I can’t interfere in internal politics,” the British Ambassador said.

“I can’t name individuals declared as persona non grata. I can’t comment on it. Our position is clear. The decisions on persona non-grata are about individuals and not about groups,” he stated.

Ambassador Smith also noted that British investments are currently underway mostly in Albania’s northern regions.

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The two officials discussed progress made in 2023 as highlighted in the Court’s annual report and the prospects for Justice Reform in Albania.

In its statement, the British Embassy says they emphasized the importance of full and swift implementation of Constitutional Court decisions to support rule of law and the aspirations of Albanian citizens.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation between the Judiciaries of Albania and the United Kingdom.

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The British Embassy said in a post on the social media that Ambassador and local government officials in the north-eastern region of Kukes discussed the UK Government’s continued engagement and support, particularly under the framework of new perspective project that includes supporting the private sector for youth employment, supporting new and existing businesses through small grants, and designing local economic development and tourism.

“We have agreed to strengthen development in the region aiming at tangible achievements for young people and tourism. We particularly discussed the challenges that young girls are facing in the region in the context of International Day of the Girl Child,” the Ambassador said.

Ambassador King-Smith also visited the subterranean communist era complex accompanied by British military experts, and discussed proposals to transform it into a useful asset in the future.

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