The reasons for the importance of developing relations with Albania from Türkiye’s point of view

According to the report of the International Group Tasnim News, during the past years, the development of relations with Albania has gained strategic importance for Turkey. Although a hundred years have passed since the beginning of official Turkish-Albanian relations, the evidence shows that in the past few years, increasing influence in Albania has become more and more important for Ankara.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s trip two days ago His visit to Ankara and his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan showed new developments in the relations between the two sides. Because the first meeting of the High Committee for Economic Cooperation was held and Albania has become the country that welcomes the largest number of Turkish contractors.

Erdogan announced in his meeting with Rama: Last year was the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Albania, and now multilateral cooperation between us continues. The development of these collaborations is based on the important strategic partnership that we signed with Mr. Rama in 2021.

He continued: In the first meeting of the High Committee for Economic Cooperation, we once again emphasized our determination to raise relations to higher levels. Türkiye attaches great importance to the development of cooperation with Albania. We increased the volume of our trade with Albania to 1 billion dollars and set our new target of 2 billion dollars, and I believe we will reach this figure soon. In a short time, the private sector invested 3.5 billion dollars in Albania and more than 600 Turkish companies created jobs for 15 thousand Albanians.

Erdogan further mentioned that Turkey built a hospital in Tirana in a short period of 3 months and now the office of TIKA agency is supposed to be in Albania. be more active. Tika is apparently a center for the coordination and cooperation of Turkey’s foreign services in foreign countries, but the fact is that an important part of the intelligence-security measures of the Turkish Intelligence Service is carried out under the cover of Tika’s work, and by the way, Khagan Fidan, who later went to He has served as the head of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. text-align:justify”>

The importance of Albania in Turkey’s Balkan approach

In Turkey’s Balkan approach, the development of relations with Albania is very important. In addition to the security and defense fields, Albania is also an important competitive field for Turkish investment companies in the economic field. Relations between Turkey and Albania are of considerable importance for both countries and have implications for the Balkan region. Turkey and Albania share historical and cultural ties that date back centuries. Both countries have strong ties based on common Ottoman heritage and cultural affinities.

Turkey and Albania promote political and economic cooperation have increased in recent years. They participate in various bilateral initiatives aimed at boosting trade, investment and infrastructure development. Turkey has been one of the main supporters of Albania’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration and has helped the country in areas such as defense, education and health care.

According to Ankara security officials, developing relations with Albania means using a wide intelligence network in the Balkans. . For this reason, Ankara officials always say; Close relations between Türkiye and Albania play a role in promoting stability in the Balkans. Through cooperation on security issues, counter-terrorism efforts and regional cooperation, both countries help maintain peace and security in the region. Turkey’s active participation in the Balkans, including its relations with Albania, increases its diplomatic influence in the region. Turkey’s engagement can help shape regional dynamics, promote stability, and advance common goals in areas such as security, economic development, and EU integration.

Albania, Turkey and the West

Albania’s location in the west of the Balkan Peninsula makes it an important player in regional politics. This country shares borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece. Its proximity to the Adriatic and Ionian seas has made it a strategic access to maritime trade routes.

Albania’s stability is essential for the overall security of the Balkan region . Ensuring peace and security in Albania will help prevent conflict spillovers from neighboring countries and contribute to regional stability.

Albania has expressed its desire to join the European Union, but since the extensive network of organized crime and the mafia are very active in Albania, the Union Commission, still He is not happy and is waiting for Albania’s relentless fight against the mafia. The integration of this country into the Euro-Atlantic institutions will strengthen its relations with the West.

Albania has untapped economic potential, especially in sectors such as tourism, energy and agriculture. This is one of the topics that has strongly attracted the attention of Turkish companies.

It seems that the view of Turkey and America It is close to Albania. Because the United States supports Albania’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and has helped the country strengthen its institutions, promote reforms, and enhance its military capabilities. The United States sees Albania as a key partner in promoting stability in the Balkans and countering potential security threats in the region.

Albania became a member of NATO in 2009, and this was a recognition of the country’s strategic importance and commitment to collective security in the region. But still, Albania’s path to EU membership faces challenges related to the rule of law, corruption and organized crime. However, the EU continues to support Albania’s reform efforts and has emphasized the country’s role in promoting stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans.

At the end it should be said; Albania’s security cooperation is of vital importance to Erdogan’s team. In the past few years, Albania has had a lot of security cooperation with Turkey to fight the network of students of Fethullah Gulen, and currently, the Turkish Education Foundation in Albania is responsible for the religious education of 2 thousand Albanian students.

end of message/