Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” podcast, Rama said Sazan was state-owned land and would remain so.

“We have set another condition: we will be partners. We have insisted on establishing a joint-stock company in which the Republic of Albania will be a shareholder, contribute the property and receive shares in the company,” Rama said.

He said negotiations over the project had been under way for years, adding that Sazan was not an asset that could simply be valued on paper but a territory requiring substantial investment.

“Sazan is a very beautiful territory, but it is also very challenging. It is a mined area, so demining is required. There is no water and no electricity on Sazan, which means investment is also needed,” Rama said.

He said previous governments had also sought to attract investors and develop Sazan as a tourism destination.

If the project goes ahead, Rama said, it could significantly raise Albania’s international profile as a tourism and investment destination.

He said interest in Sazan had increased since Jared Kushner launched the project, including inquiries about technology hubs, artificial intelligence and pharmaceuticals, which he described as a potential spillover effect.

Regarding the proposed investment in Zvërnec, Rama said there was currently no construction plan and no approved project.

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Speaking in Vlora at a meeting with tourism operators, Rama said discussions are ongoing with investor Jared Kushner regarding the project, which he said would have a significant impact on Albania’s position in the global tourism market.

He rejected reports that the island had been sold.

“We have neither sold nor will sell Sazan. It is property of the Republic of Albania and will remain so,” Rama said, adding that the negotiations have not yet been finalised.

According to Rama, the Albanian state would be part of a joint company that will invest in and manage the island, ensuring national representation in the project.

He said the development would not take the form of a closed, exclusive resort, but would instead feature limited construction with a strong cultural and artistic profile.

“I believe this will be one of the most beautiful projects in the Mediterranean,” Rama said, adding that parallel investments in the surrounding coastal area, involving internationally renowned architects, would further enhance the region’s appeal.

He said the project is expected to drive up property values and stimulate new investment in the Vlora area, urging local tourism operators to adopt a long-term strategic approach.

“In the next five to ten years, the transformation will be greater than in the previous decade,” he said.

Rama added that the project would send a strong signal to international markets about Albania’s stability and attractiveness for investment, particularly if supported by additional international partners.

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