Balla said in his interview that the United Arab Emirates are a beacon of peace and tolerance in the region, expressing his appreciation for the UAE and its leadership for its continuous support to Albania and its people.

Among other things, Balla said that the Emirati-Albanian relations continue to grow across many fields with the support of their leaderships, adding that the two countries constantly strive to strengthen their cooperation, especially in economic fields.

“We will not forget the UAE’s noble stances towards Albania and its people. When the 2019 earthquake hit our country, the UAE was among the first countries to help us rebuild and reconstruct around 2,000 homes, in addition to providing medical aid to support relief efforts. The UAE also helped with the renovation of Zayed Airport in Cox, Albania,” he added

Balla, also the Chairman of the SP Parliamentary Group in the Albanian Parliament, pointed out that the UAE is among the top promoters of peace, tolerance, coexistence and stability in the region, a role that Albania similarly plays in the Balkan region.

He said that Expo 2020 Dubai, which is set to kick off in the UAE in October, 2021, will be the largest, most important global event to take place during this year

“Through our participation in this global expo, we will highlight Albania’s distinctive investment opportunities, leading tourist attractions and natural resources,” Balla continued, adding that Expo 2020 Dubai is a monumental global platform that serves to strengthen cooperation and partnerships among the world’s nations

He noted that Albania allows the entry of UAE nationals and residents without the need for an entry visa, with two daily flights operating from Dubai and Sharjah, and expressed hopes to see Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launch daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Tirana to enhance tourism and trade exchanges between the two countries

He said: “There are many investment opportunities in Albania and we invite Emirati investors to invest in Albania’s various sectors, including tourism, real estate and clean energy. We hope to partner with Masdar as it is one of the world’s most prominent renewable energy companies in the world.”

Balla went on to commend the UAE Government for its key role in containing the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts to accelerate economic recovery and return to normal life.

Albania’s strategic location in the Balkans helped establish it as one of the most promising tourist destinations due to its rich history and beautiful natural landscapes, he further explained.