By Dilara Hamit
Türkiye's quick recognition of independent Kosovo, its support following earthquakes in Albania, and its generous assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic will be cherished as enduring elements of the nations' shared history, said Albania’s prime minister on Tuesday in the Turkish capital Ankara, where he is paying a one-day official visit.
“Kosovo was declared an independent republic (in 2008), and you immediately recognized it," Edi Rama told a joint news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that Albania and Kosovo “cannot forget” this element of their “national memory.”
The population of the Balkan nation of Kosovo is 93% Albanian.
"When Albania was shaken by an earthquake, you were the first person to contact us. You told me that as long as Türkiye stands, Albania will not be forsaken. You immediately started working on the construction of 500 apartments," he added, referring to a powerful 6.4 quake that struck Albania in 2019, the strongest quake to hit the country in 40 years.
Rama also said they were deeply thankful for the COVID-19 vaccinations support by Türkiye, part of its extensive international aid efforts during the pandemic years.
On the four-month ongoing assault on Gaza, he said now is the time for a cease-fire and that the hostages must also be released, adding that Türkiye is an indispensable actor for peace in the Mideast, especially the Gaza Strip and Israel.
Rama emphasized their support for a two-state solution, but also stressed the need for guarantees to make this work, suggesting that Arab countries could provide security assurances by cooperating with Türkiye.
Pointing to the need to end the accusations made against innocent people by Israel and subsequent massacres, Rama stressed the need for rational action.
Türkiye's relations with the Balkan nation of Albania derive their strength from shared history and strong social and cultural bonds, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.