UPDATE - Türkiye’s assistance to Albania, Kosovo will never be forgotten: Albanian premier

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By Dilara Hamit

Türkiye's prompt recognition of Kosovo as an independent Republic, its support following an earthquake in Albania and its generous assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic will always be cherished, Albania’s prime minister said Tuesday in the Turkish capital Ankara, where he was on an 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 magnitude 6.4 quake that struck Albania in 2019, the strongest to hit the country in 40 years.

Rama also said they were deeply thankful for the COVID-19 vaccine 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 Middle East, especially in 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 a shared history and strong social and cultural bonds, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Rama said Turkish investments in Albania have reached €3.7 billion ($3.9 billion).

“We expect more. We need to bring the commercial volume to €1 billion,” he added.

Highlighting the Türkiye-Albania Fier Friendship Hospital as one of the best investments made by Türkiye, Rama emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries, saying the hospital is one of the most preferred health care centers for the Albanian people.

- Defense, security cooperation

Rama noted that there have been many developments in defense and security between the two countries, saying they will further enhance cooperation in this area.

He noted that approximately 10 million tourists visited Albania in 2023, indicating that the number of tourists from Türkiye increased by 30%.

Rama also emphasized that President Erdogan is always eager to further strengthen development, stability and peace in the region, saying he has particularly engaged in discussions with him regarding the Russia-Ukraine War.

He said they will soon organize a summit of southeast European countries with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, informing President Erdogan about this matter as well.