In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Al-Madi highlighted National Day as a time to honor Saudi Arabia’s historic unification by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, who established the country’s foundations of stability, security, and governance. Celebrating under the theme “Our pride stems from our nature,” the Ambassador emphasized the historic economic and social evolution driven by Vision 2030 under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This strategic blueprint focuses on diversifying away from oil, fostering human capital and innovation, and enhancing quality of life while safeguarding Saudi cultural identity. Turning to international affairs, Ambassador Al-Madi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diplomacy, noting that Riyadh’s foreign policy is anchored in dialogue, tension de-escalation, respect for state sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Ambassador Al-Madi also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Saudi policy. According to the data he presented, Saudi aid has reached 175 countries over the years, totaling $145 billion.

The diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Albania were established on December 2, 1992, and have been marked over the years by high-level exchanges and the gradual expansion of political and economic cooperation. In March 2022, the Fourth Session of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Joint Intergovernmental Commission was held in Riyadh, focusing on opportunities to expand economic cooperation.

Ambassador Al-Madi described the friendship between the two nations as being grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to further promote cooperation. He highlighted the Saudi-Albanian Joint Commission and the Saudi-Albanian Business Council as key mechanisms for this cooperation, as well as the role of the Saudi Fund for Development in financing infrastructure projects in Albania.

These relations have gained new momentum, particularly in recent years. In October 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh and held a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on bilateral relations, areas of cooperation and ways to expand them. President Bajram Begaj also visited Saudi Arabia in May 2026 for the Hajj pilgrimage; in his remarks, Ambassador Al-Madi recalled the Albanian president’s contacts with the Saudi leadership during this visit.

The ambassador also mentioned the Saudi role in the process that led to Syria’s recognition of Kosovo on October 29, 2025. This recognition was announced during a trilateral meeting in Riyadh involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani.

In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Madi also highlighted the growing importance of the cultural and educational dimensions of the relationship. The cooperation includes the translation of literature between Arabic and Albanian and the expansion of opportunities for learning the Arabic language.

He announced that work is underway to open an Arabic language institute in Albania, affiliated with Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, intended to serve not only Albanian students, but also interested individuals from other Balkan countries.

In conclusion, the Ambassador stated that the goal is to build upon achievements so far and explore new avenues for cooperation in the economy, investment, development, tourism, culture, and education, as well as to strengthen ties between the private sectors and the societies of both countries. /p.s./

Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and partner countries.

The meeting focused on Albania’s potential for sustainable growth, specifically in clean energy, waste and water management, eco-tourism, and natural area conservation.

The meeting focused on Albania’s potential for developing sustainable projects, particularly in the fields of clean energy, waste and water management, sustainable tourism and the development of areas with natural value.

Jaupaj emphasized the goal of transforming international investor interest into concrete projects that bring capital, technology and expertise, while ensuring environmental standards and the protection of natural resources.

“Albania is building a model where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand,” the minister stated.

According to Jaupaj, the meeting marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Albanian institutions and the international private sector, as well as in creating opportunities for new investments in sectors that impact the country’s sustainable development. /e.xh/r.e/p.s./

This large-scale event brought together around 250 children with disabilities from several cities in the country, representatives of the Albanian government, the diplomatic corps and partner organizations.

The event was held in a warm atmosphere of solidarity and conveyed a strong message of humanity, focusing on dignity and inclusion.

During the event, there were musical performances by children with disabilities, awareness-raising video presentations and a series of open recreational activities, such as bowling, billiards, physical and electronic games, as well as joyful moments of karaoke.

The participating children also received symbolic gifts, as a sign of gratitude and encouragement.

In his speech, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania Faisal Gazi Hifzi emphasized that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a moment of deep reflection on the universal values ​​of equality and dignity.

He stated that, “supporting persons with disabilities is not only an institutional duty, but a moral and civilizing responsibility that reflects the level of awareness of the nations”.

The ambassador underlined that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, within the framework of Vision 2030, has undertaken extensive reforms aimed at empowering this category through advanced national programs, modern legislation and investments in education, health, rehabilitation infrastructure and assisting technology.

“Vision 2030 places the human being, without exception, at the center of development. Our objective is to guarantee a dignified life and full opportunities for active participation in social and economic development”, he stated.

The ambassador then emphasized the shared values ​​between Saudi Arabia and Albania.

Speaking on behalf of the Albanian government, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ina Majko, congratulated the Embassy of Saudi Arabia for the event and emphasized that support for persons with disabilities remains a central priority of Albania’s social policies.

Today’s event was a concrete example of the close cooperation between Albania and Saudi Arabia in the field of social inclusion and in the commitment to build a more just, more humane and more equal future for all. /k.s/r.e/a.f/p.s./

They discussed on lifting the Olympic spirit among Islamic countries, forms of cooperation between Olympic Committees and experience exchange.

The Prince also had the opportunity to get informed about the major project of the Albanian Olympic City, the ‘Tirana Olympic City’ and about the possibilities of cooperation and financing.

Last year, President Ylli and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal met in Riyadh, where they signed a memorandum of cooperation between the two Olympic Committees, the Albanian and the United Arab Emirates. /j.p/p.s./

The talks focused on the very good political relations in the interest of cooperation and the development of a bilateral agenda, the possibilities of increasing economic cooperation as well as the support for other countries recognizing Kosovo.

President Begaj thanked the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah for the humanitarian and financial assistance that Saudi Arabia has given over the years to Albania in difficult times.

At the same time, the Head of State spoke about opportunities that may be used to increase economic cooperation, direct investments, as well as the possibility of establishing a direct flight between Albania and Saudi Arabia, which would positively affect not only the number of tourists, but also the commercial exchanges between the two countries.

President Begaj positively assessed Saudi Arabia’s recognition and support of Kosovo and he asked for help to expand the number of these recognitions. /a.f/r.e/p.s./

Most of the players come from the Albanian championship and it is the first time for most of them that they are invited to the red and blacks representative team. Meanwhile, 9 of them are players that come from foreign clubs and most of them have been regularly in the national team.

The goalkeepers called are Elhan Kastrati, Gentian Selmani and Arlis Shala, while in defense sector there are prominent players of the championship Albion Marku, Erdenis Gurishta, Andi Hadroj, Hakaj, Rudolf Turkaj, Stivian Janku, Ardit Toli, Ene Bitri as well as Mario Mitaj, which is activated with Lokomotiv Moscow.

In the midfield sector there are Esat Mala, Sherif Kallaku, Lorenzo Vila, Arbnor Muçolli, Ardit Deliu, Arinaldo Rrapaj, while Odise Roshi returns, while the forward sector will consist of Bekim Balaj, Sokol Cikalleshi, Xhuljano Skuka and Redon Xhixha.

The representative team will start gathering on October 22 at the Tropikal complex in Durrës and on October 24 will travel to Abu Dhabi where there will continue preparations for the friendly match.

The first match in the history of Albania with Saudi Arabia will take place at “Al Nahyan Stadium” in Abu Dhabi and will start at 18:30 local time (16:30 Albanian time).

Also, the match will be a good opportunity to test and see in action especially the prominent elements of the Albanian championship./p.s./

Prime Minister Rama met today in Tirana Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud.

After the meeting, they appeared in a press conference.

Rama said that the visit of the foreign minister is part of the restoration of direct contacts and an in-depth cooperation process, for which we set the guidelines earlier during his visit to Riyadh and meeting with the Crown Prince.

“First of all, I want to express my gratitude to the Prince for all the commitment he has shown to the relations between our two countries. He was the one who kept alive the cooperation and communication under the conditions when due to the pandemic the contacts became extremely difficult and all the planned exchanges were paralyzed”, said Rama.

The prime minister stressed that, “This visit is a direct expression of the readiness and desire of our Saudi friends to promote cooperation with Albania.”

“We share the satisfaction that the number of visitors from Saudi Arabia as tourists in Albania has increased significantly thanks to the establishment of direct lines with the Middle East, but also thanks to the encouragement that the Crown Prince himself and the Saudi Government have made to this relationship”, said Rama.

The prime minister said that we are very hopeful that this first visit is just the opening of a chapter of bilateral visits and meetings.

“Today, I reiterated to the Minister the invitation to receive the Crown Prince here. I also thanked the Prince, but through him also the Crown Prince and His Majesty of Saudi Arabia, for the continuous assistance that Saudi Arabia has given to Albania, especially in the difficult moments when it came to being with us “, said Rama.

The prime minister informed that at the meeting it was agreed to convene the Joint Committee as soon as possible, which met in 2019, but was blocked due to the pandemic, precisely to address the priorities in order to deepen economic cooperation.

The prime minister also praised Saudi Arabia’s magnificent initiative to increase the green space of the entire Middle East and for a global contribution through the project of planting trees.

“We would be very happy to be part of this initiative, despite the number of trees and in function of a common agenda of the entire Alliance of countries to face the great challenge of environment and global warming,” said Rama.

On the other hand, the prime minister reiterated that Saudi Arabia has recognized the independence of Kosovo and has been one of the important supporters of all our efforts of Kosovo’s candidacies in various international institutions.

“The voice of Saudi Arabia is definitely very important and we will continue to work with Prince Faisal. We are really lucky he is in charge of Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Affairs today because of the deep knowledge he has about our region, in order to increase the sensitivity and on the other hand also increase the clarity of those countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League that have not yet recognized Kosovo “, said Rama.

In conclusion, the prime minister thanked the Saudi minister for his commitment to give a significant impetus to the increase of communication between companies and to create a space for interaction in the private sector in function of mutual interests to increase investment and trade volume between Albania and Saudi Arabia”, he said. /a.a/p.s./

In a joint press statement with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, who is paying an official visit in Tirana, focused on Albania’s membership in the UN Security Council.

“We talked about Albania’s agenda and here the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will give you full support for Albania’s membership. We will work closely with our Albanian counterparts and Albania’s Representatives to the UN. We will give all our support to this agenda of Albania since Saudi Arabia has in fact a very ambitious program for 2030 with this vision. We look forward to working with all our partners in the global community, not only for the benefit of our kingdom, but for the entire global community. I hope that Albania will be a key partner”, he said.

Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud also said that, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highly values ​​the friendship with Albania, a friendship that has lasted for years, but which has been strengthened precisely by the visit of the Prime Minister of Albania.”

“Despite the fact that we lost some time due to the pandemic, we are very pleased to continue this cooperation and explore opportunities for the future in various fields. We had a very good discussion today for the future, as in the political, economic, environmental development field. There are many things that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can do in Albania and we will be happy to see how we will explore these opportunities in the future,” he said.

Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud also said that the meeting of the Joint Committee that took place for the last time in 2019, is very important.

“This Committee has met at the ministerial level, which means that we hope that in this form the focus and attention will be increased so that we can use all those opportunities. We therefore hope that this Committee will meet again very soon, now that the situation with the pandemic all over the world is stabilizing. This, in order for us to follow all these opportunities that we have thought of and to further develop our friendship according to the orientations that we will have”, he said.

The Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia said that, “Today, we want to give a very clear signal that we are very committed to this relationship, to this friendship and that we believe in the chances and opportunities we have for economic cooperation.”

“We already have a growing number of tourists coming to Albania from Saudi Arabia and we hope that this number will continue to grow further. We also hope that many Albanian citizens come to us,” he said.

Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud also said that an important issue is the increase of contacts between the businesses themselves. “We really want businesses between our two countries to cooperate with each other to take advantage of all the opportunities that exist not only in our Kingdom, but also in Albania,” he said.

“We also discussed issues of mutual interest in the political sphere, for example for various developments in the Middle East. We also talked about developments in the region, but also around the world, and here we understand that Albania and our Kingdom in fact have a common approach in terms of regional stability and security,” he said./p.s./