In a post on social media platform X, Jetten said the two leaders discussed strengthening economic ties and cooperation on security, as well as exploring opportunities to expand partnerships in areas such as infrastructure and tourism.

“Had a pleasant first call with Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the EU,” Jetten wrote.

“Our economic ties and security cooperation are already strong. We discussed scope for further expanding our partnership, e.g. on infrastructure and tourism,” Dutch PM said.

They also addressed Albania’s EU accession process.

“Also talked about how Albania is taking significant steps to meet the criteria for the EU accession process. I look forward to meeting PM Rama at the EU-Western Balkans summit in June,” PM Jetten concluded.

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Hoxha spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reaffirming the strong ties between Albania and Israel and their cooperation in addressing common challenges.

“In these difficult and challenging times, Albania stands in full solidarity with the Israeli people and all those affected by the attacks carried out by Iran and Hezbollah,” Hoxha said in a post on the social media platform X.

He said targeting civilians is unacceptable and praised the resilience of the Israeli people in the face of the attacks.

Hoxha also reiterated Albania’s support for international efforts aimed at preventing the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction that could threaten regional and global stability.

He added that Iran “deserves a government of the people and for the people”.

In this context, Hoxha said Albania will soon take an official decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

He also highlighted the longstanding relations between Albania and Israel, built on shared values and a history of solidarity between the two peoples.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Hoxha said, describing it as a milestone reflecting the strength and durability of bilateral ties and paving the way for deeper cooperation in the future.

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President Begaj provided details of the phone call with the British Foreign Secretary.

“We discussed further strengthening our ties as longstanding NATO allies.  Grateful for the UK’s robust support in defense, cybersecurity, police, and the judicial reform, alongside our joint efforts to combat crime and corruption,” the Albanian head of state said in a post on the social media.

Begaj also welcomed the enhancement of UK troops as part of NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office also announced via the social media that the Foreign Secretary David Cameron had a call with Albanian President Bajram Begaj today following his visit to Tirana.

“They discussed Albania’s important role as a close NATO ally and reaffirmed our steadfast support for Ukraine and confronting regional challenges,” the Foreign and Commonwealth Officesaid.

Cameron was earlier on an official visit to Tirana, where he met and held a joint press conference  with Prime Minister Edi Rama. British Foreign Secretary was scheduled to meet President Begaj as well, but he cut short his visit an urgent government meeting in London.

Despite his sudden departure, Cameron managed to connect with President Begaj via phone

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The U.S. senior official stated via Twitter that all parties should avoid provocative actions in north of Kosovo.

He also said that implementation of the Association of Municipalities with a Serb majority will open doors for Kosovo, including eventual mutual recognition.

“Good talk with PM Albin Kurti after negotiators’ meeting. Emphasized all parties should avoid provocative actions in north. Normalizing relations with Serbia via the EU-facilitated Dialogue and  implementing the Association of Serb Municipalities will open doors for Kosovo, including eventual mutual recognition,” Chollet twitted.

The U.S. official also had a phone call with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, putting emphasis on the need for progress on normalization with Kosovo.

He said that the U.S. continues to push for immediate progress on Association of Serb Municipalities and return of Kosovo Serbs to local institutions.

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