Albania’s Ambassador to Japan, Ermal Muça, shared the article on Friday, saying the publication coincides with Flag Day and represents an important boost to Albania’s international profile in one of Asia’s best-known newspapers.

The Japan Times article reviews Albania’s state-building journey, its diplomatic role and its potential as a cultural, economic and tourism destination. It also underscores the long-standing relationship between the two countries and the expansion of cooperation in recent years.

Muça said the feature reflects “a significant appreciation for Albania” and extended holiday greetings to Albanians worldwide.

Article by The Japan Times entitled: Albania, gateway to Europe, partner to Japan:

This year, as Albania marks the 113th anniversary of its independence, we also celebrate the long friendship between Albania and Japan – a partnership built on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common vision for sustainable prosperity. Despite geographic distance, our two countries have consistently found common ground in cooperation and trust.

Diplomatic relations were established in 1922, laying the foundation for ties that have grown steadily, particularly in recent decades. The partnership entered a new phase with Prime Minister Edi Rama’s visit to Tokyo in 2023, during which both governments reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation.

Albania is currently in a decisive phase of its EU integration process. Since the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union in 2022, the country has continued aligning with the EU’s legal and institutional framework. This progress brings Albania closer to full EU membership and strengthens its position as an investment-friendly destination for global partners.

For Japanese companies, Albania offers unique access to a growing market governed by EU regulatory standards, ensuring transparency, legal certainty and access to the wider region. Opportunities are expanding in energy, infrastructure and technology -areas where Japanese innovation and Albanian potential can deliver tangible results.

Since joining NATO in 2009, Albania has been an active contributor to Euro-Atlantic security, reinforcing the global security architecture. Shared values provide a strong basis for expanding cooperation in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.

Recent initiatives have given new momentum to economic cooperation. A visit by the Albania–Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Tokyo, followed by a business mission to Albania from the Japan External Trade Organization, has strengthened links between interested companies in both countries. Meanwhile, regular diplomatic consultations – most recently in Tokyo in March – continue to build trust and open new areas of collaboration.

Trade between the two countries continues to develop. Albania exports agricultural and fishery products, especially seafood, and imports high-quality Japanese food products, machinery and vehicles. Japan’s official development assistance has supported major projects in infrastructure, education and environmental protection, giving concrete form to the bilateral partnership.

Looking ahead, Albania remains committed to fostering a transparent, dynamic and welcoming business environment that encourages Japanese companies to invest and grow. A young, educated workforce and a strategic location make Albania an emerging hub in South-Eastern Europe, where cooperation and innovation can thrive.

A century after our first diplomatic exchange, Albania and Japan continue to show how shared vision and mutual respect can turn distance into partnership. I am confident that the next century of cooperation will be defined by deeper collaboration, greater prosperity and enduring friendship for both nations and future generations.

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