Issues concerning the Greek minority in Albania -whose protection is a "top priority for Greece" - and the Albanian community in Greece, as well as matters of security, economy, trade, investment, and connectivity were discussed during the meeting on Tuesday between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani.
Gerapetritis emphasised that the world is currently going through a painful period of global geopolitical turmoil, where wars have shaken the security architecture. He noted that Greece cooperates with Albania within the frameworks of NATO and the UN and expressed support for the accession of the neighbouring country to the European Union, along with the other Western Balkan countries. He highlighted Greece’s initiatives for the protection of civilians in Gaza during its presidency of the UN Security Council, acknowledging that diplomacy is at times powerless in the face of developments. In this context, he stressed the importance of partnerships between neighbouring countries, which - as he said - gain special significance in fostering stability.
 Gerapetritis also underlined the need to dispel any "shadows" that have strained Greek-Albanian relations, always seeking friendship and good neighbourly relations. He referred to strengthening cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and foreign investment, as well as in education, the environment, and connectivity. He described the enlargement of the EU with the Western Balkan countries as essential for regional security and stability, "leaving behind factors of regression and destabilisation," as he put it.
He added that Greece agreed to the opening of Albania’s accession negotiations following the assessment of the first chapters, and he reiterated that the protection of the Greek minority is a top priority for Greece, serving as a bridge of understanding and a strong link between the two countries-just as the Albanian community living in Greece does.
Finally, Gerapetritis said this was a good opportunity to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations, "because we are fortunate that Albania’s Foreign Minister is a capable individual who speaks our language due to his Greek heritage."
On his part, Hasani began his remarks in Greek, thanking Gerapetritis for the hospitality and noting that this was his first official visit as a foreign minister since recently taking office.
He then continued in his native language, emphasising that the purpose of his visit was to give new momentum to the strategic dialogue between the two countries. He noted that the shared commitment to strengthen bilateral relations -based on the strategic interests of both nations and the vision of a united Europe - was reaffirmed.
He said that Albania’s EU accession process was also discussed and highlighted that economic transactions with Greece reached 910 million euros in 2024, with the goal of surpassing 1 billion euros in 2025. "The Greek minority and the Albanian community in Greece are bridges between the two countries," he said, expressing the view that now is the right time to pursue a positive approach to these matters and to strengthen open dialogue, with the aim of building a long-term, strong relationship between Greece and Albania.