Albania and Ukraine sign friendship and cooperation agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama signed a Friendship and Cooperation Agreement during a meeting in the Western Balcan capital of Tirana.

Rubryka reports, citing the Office of the President of Ukraine, that the document will contribute to developing cooperation with Albania and strengthening Ukraine's position in the Balkan region.

According to the agreement, Ukraine and Albania will develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, science and technology, culture, education, healthcare, media, tourism, and sports.

It also envisions establishing commercial contacts between the two countries' state and private enterprises and organizations.

The parties will cooperate in environmental protection, application of environmentally friendly technologies, and rational use of natural resources.

Ukraine and Albania will facilitate expanding contacts between citizens and state and non-state organizations, trade unions, educational and cultural institutions, and youth and sports organizations of the two countries.

They will also cooperate on issues related to combating organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling of all kinds, including cultural and historical values.

Zelensky announced on Telegram that they discussed Ukraine's defense needs and the possibility of joint production of weapons.

"We thank the government and people of Albania; we will never forget the warm attitude of your society toward Ukrainians," the president said.

Zelensky's visit to Albania

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Albania on February 28 for an unannounced visit for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion began.

Zelensky will participate in the Ukraine-Southeastern Europe Summit in support of Ukraine.

"A significant number of leaders from this part of Europe will be invited to the summit, and President Zelensky will be a co-organizer and co-chair of the event, which is particularly important in today's context," Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani said.

Regional leaders from Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia will attend the summit. However, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will not be present, instead sending a "representative at a low diplomatic level."

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated in an interview ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the country that the Western Balkans are ready to contribute to the fight against Russia amid European and Western "excuses" and "constraints" about aid to Ukraine because EU member states need this region for their security.