Sa’ar and Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha signed a general cooperation agreement during the visit.

Sa’ar thanked his Albanian counterpart for the hospitality, describing Albania as a true friend of Israel. He said he had considered the visit important despite his commitments ahead of elections in Israel.

The Israeli foreign minister said relations between the two countries go beyond diplomacy, drawing on historical ties and shared moral values.

“Our mission is much deeper than diplomacy. It is rooted in history and moral courage,” Sa’ar said.

He recalled the role played by Albanians during the Holocaust, when Albanian families sheltered and saved Jews fleeing Nazi persecution.

“During the Holocaust, when Jews were being persecuted across Europe, Albanians opened their homes and saved lives,” Sa’ar said, referring to Albania’s tradition of ‘besa’, or a pledge of honour and protection, and its legacy of human solidarity.

Sa’ar also praised Albania’s support for Israel following the October 7 attacks and its stance against Hamas terrorism. He commended Prime Minister Edi Rama for his position.

“I want to express my tremendous admiration for Prime Minister Edi Rama, who, in my view, is one of the most remarkable leaders in the world today. His leadership, conviction and unwavering moral compass carry significance far beyond the Western Balkans, including in our own region,” Israel’s foreign minister said.

“His powerful words against Hamas terrorism, including the remarks in the Knesset, truly meant a great deal to Israelis,” he added.

The Israeli minister also thanked Hoxha for his efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Sa’ar said Albania and Israel aim to expand their economic and institutional partnership. He also recalled an agreement signed last year in the healthcare sector covering medical innovation and emergency preparedness.

“Today, we want to expand this partnership through a broader agreement between our two governments, creating opportunities for our companies and deepening cooperation,” Sa’ar said.

He said the two countries’ longstanding historical ties and shared commitment to closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest provided a strong foundation for further strengthening their partnership.

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