Speaking to reporters during a visit to the city in Korçë, southeastern Albania, Ambassador Alberti also highlighted the strength of economic ties between Italy and Albania, saying Italian investments in the country currently amount to around 1 billion euros.

Alongside other investments, around 600 to 700 new jobs will be created or made possible, the Italian diplomat said.

“We believe that strengthening economic ties also helps Albania on its path towards European Union membership, which for Italy is an absolute priority,” Alberti added.

He pointed to several key sectors in which Italian companies and institutions are active in Albania, ranging from artificial intelligence and digital technology to the defence industry.

Alberti said the broader aim of Italy’s presence in Albania was to create opportunities for young people to remain in the country, find employment and contribute to its development.

The Italian ambassador attended the inauguration of the “Thoma Turtulli” Children’s Library in Korçë, which has been transformed into a modern space combining books, technology and creativity, offering children new ways to discover, experiment and create.

The project was financed through the Italian-Albanian Debt for Development Swap Programme (IADSA), as part of the “Children Innovative & Creative Hub ‘Thoma Turtulli’” project, and by Swiss Cooperation through the “Smart Energy Municipalities Project” (SEMP).

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