In a post on the social network X, Minister Sa’ar stated that Israel appreciates the Albanian prime minister’s commitment to the country’s security and his stance against antisemitism and terrorism.

“We greatly appreciate his commitment to Israel’s security and his resolute stand against antisemitism and terrorism. It was an in-depth conversation about advancing relations between our countries, as well as about the situation in the Middle East and the Western Balkans. Thank you, Edi, for your true friendship and Albania’s deep friendship with Israel,” Minister Sa’ar wrote, among other things.

He described Rama as one of the world’s most prominent and valued leaders, while praising his role on the international stage. “I had the pleasure of meeting Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana today. Rama has led Albania continuously for 13 years and, in my opinion, is one of the most prominent and valued leaders in the world today. Rama is a clear and courageous voice on the international stage. He is also a steadfast friend of Israel who has stood by our side in challenging times,” stated Sa’ar.

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Speaking at a joint news conference with the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar following their meeting in Tirana, Hoxha described the agreement as an important step towards strengthening relations and establishing a structured framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the State of Israel will facilitate closer cooperation in trade, innovation and technology, agriculture, water management, energy, healthcare, education, security, tourism and culture, Hoxha said.

“Today, we reaffirmed our unwavering commitment, our shared political will and our growing determination to further strengthen our partnership,” he said.

The agreement would create new opportunities for institutions in both countries to work together and deliver lasting benefits for their citizens, Hoxha added.

Security remains a key pillar of the partnership, he said, highlighting the importance both countries attach to combating terrorism, violent extremism and antisemitism, as well as addressing hybrid threats and emerging risks to national security.

Foreign Minister Hoxha also expressed Albania’s gratitude for Israel’s support in strengthening the country’s cyber defence capabilities following cyberattacks in 2022 that Albanian authorities have blamed on Iran and groups linked to it.

“Against this backdrop, our cooperation in cyber security has taken on particular importance in recent years. We are deeply grateful to Israel for its valuable support in strengthening our cyber defence capabilities following the severe cyberattacks carried out by Iran and groups linked to it in 2022 against our critical digital infrastructure,” Hoxha said.

“Since then, we have continued to invest in the resilience of our digital infrastructure and will further strengthen our cooperation with Israel in this vital area,” he added.

Hoxha said there was considerable scope to diversify and expand economic ties, citing growing interest among Israeli businesses and investors in Albania, particularly in infrastructure, agribusiness, technology, innovation, energy and healthcare.

People-to-people ties are also central to a lasting partnership, he said, noting that growing tourism in recent years had become an important bridge between the two countries, creating further opportunities for engagement and exchanges.

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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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The meeting also covered Albania’s contribution to the Board of Peace.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Hoxha said relations between Albania and Israel were rooted in a longstanding history of friendship, mutual respect and solidarity, providing a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, the two ministers signed a General Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

The agreement establishes a broad framework for intergovernmental cooperation and a structured mechanism for building practical partnerships in areas of mutual interest, including the economy and trade, innovation and technology, agriculture, water management, energy, healthcare, education, security, tourism and culture.

Tourism cooperation has made significant progress in recent years, emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising areas of bilateral relations.

Hoxha reaffirmed Albania’s support for Israel’s security, while underscoring the importance of efforts to achieve a solution that would ensure lasting peace, stability and security across the region.

The visit also provided an opportunity to reaffirm Albania’s commitment to combating terrorism, extremism, antisemitism and all forms of hatred.

As part of the visit, Sa’ar viewed an archival exhibition documenting Albania’s widely recognised tradition of protecting Jews during World War II, a chapter widely regarded as a source of national pride.

The two ministers stressed the importance of maintaining political dialogue and expanding cooperation at all levels through continued coordination between the two countries, with a view to further strengthening the Albania-Israel partnership.

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In her remarks, Koçiu paid tribute to the victims of the attack and strongly condemned these acts of terror, emphasizing that there is no justification or alternative perspective for terrorism.

“Three years on from October 7, we remember the victims of Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel—a barbaric act that claimed 1,200 innocent lives and shocked the entire world,” Koçiu stated.

She stressed that terrorism knows no borders and we must not remain silent in its face.

“Terrorism spares neither age, nation, nor innocence; therefore, it can never be minimized, justified, or met with silence,” Koçiu wrote.

Koçiu also emphasized that Albania stands with Israel and with all those who defend the right to live freely, in peace and in safety. “Albania stands with Israel and all those defending the right to live freely, in peace, and in safety. Today, more than ever, we must choose civilization over barbarism, freedom over fanaticism, and peace over terror. We choose life. We choose freedom. We choose peace,” wrote Koçiu. /m.q/r.e/p.s./

In his remarks, Balla stated that honoring the victims and standing in solidarity with their families remains an obligation, emphasizing that October 7 must not be forgotten.

“Today, on October 7, we commemorated the victims of the terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, in Israel. Remembering is an obligation we owe to the victims and their families. To remember means not to forget,” Balla said.

He condemned terrorism, antisemitism and all forms of hatred, highlighting the history of Albanians protecting Jews during the Holocaust.

Balla also drew attention to the Albanian tradition of religious coexistence, linking it to the concept of “Besa”—a word of honor—which, according to him, motivated Albanians to open their doors to shelter the persecuted Jewish families. “We do not view different faiths as walls that divide us. We see them as different paths that can coexist under the same roof, within the same family and as part of the same nation,” he said.

Furthermore, Balla emphasized that the memory of October 7th should serve as a responsibility for the future—to reject hatred and uphold human dignity.

“Let us never become indifferent to hatred. And may the memory of October 7th strengthen our resolve to build a future where peace is stronger than fear and humanity is stronger than hatred,” Balla stated. /p.s./

In a recent social media post, Tavo shared that the meeting focused on new chances for cooperation, sharing experiences and supporting projects across various fields. He noted that they have built strong and ongoing channels of communication with the Embassy of Israel in Tirana.

He highlighted the power of volunteerism to build civic awareness and social activism, noting that strong communities rely on active, engaged citizens working together. That was another topic he discussed with his Israeli guest. /k.s/a.f/r.e/p.s./

Amos Gitai is a renowned Israeli filmmaker known for his powerful explorations of the Middle East, Israeli-Palestinian conflict and historical memory.

Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja and National Center of Cinematography Director Jonid Jorgji met with renowned Israeli director Amos Gitai.

Minister Gonxhja praised Gitai as a pivotal artist whose work bridges screens with a message of dialogue and humanism in the Middle East.

The meeting focused on future developments and the strategic steps required to boost international cooperation in cinema.

“We explored concrete opportunities for joint projects designed to position Albania as a prominent hub within the global film industry,” Gonxhja said.

The discussion highlighted the new Cinema and Audiovisual Law. The minister hailed the draft as essential for establishing Albanian cinema globally and unlocking strategic international co-productions.

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“All detainees must be treated with dignity and in strict adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law,” Hoxha wrote in his reaction.

He announced that the Albanian Embassy in Tel Aviv is working closely with Israeli authorities to ensure our citizen receives all necessary consular support in accordance with international law.

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla off the coast of Cyprus, halting the sea mission intended to break the naval blockade.

Among the detainees is Albanian activist Baki Goxhaj. The Foreign Ministry says it has been working closely with Israeli officials from the start to ensure his rights are respected.

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Foreign Ministry said official information confirmed that Goxhaj has been transferred to Israel together with the other participants detained during the operation.

According to the Ministry, the Albanian embassy in Tel Aviv is in continuous contact with Israeli authorities and is expected to meet with Goxhaj shortly to provide the necessary consular assistance.

The Ministry added that efforts are focused on ensuring the Albanian citizen’s safe and swift return home.

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