Minister Hasani Hosts Finnish Counterpart Valtonen: Commends Commitment to OSCE

Tirana, September 4, 2024 - Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, held a bilateral meeting with Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Hasani highlighted Albania's progress in implementing its EU integration reform agenda and stressed the need to accelerate the integration process for countries in the region.

"Reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, with a particular focus on strengthening economic ties. Recognized that there is still essential work to be done in areas such as trade and investment and I take this opportunity to invite Finnish companies to invest in Albania, as their expertise and experience would be highly valuable for the Albanian market and their counterparts.

An important event, 'Slush'D', which will be held in Tirana this October, is an example of how we can promote business between our two countries and we hope that our companies will also participate in 'Slush' in Helsinki in the future," said Minister Hasani.

Minister Valtonen emphasized Finland's ongoing support for Albania's EU accession path, highlighting the importance of further strengthening cooperation within the OSCE, which Finland will chair next year.

"The OSCE plays a crucial role in the Western Balkans by assisting countries in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law. These reforms will benefit the people of the Western Balkans and also serve as a fulfillment of the criteria for EU membership.

I look forward to collaborating with Albania as Finland assumes the OSCE chairmanship next year. I also want to thank Albania and Minister Hasani personally for his commitment and comprehensive work with and for the Organization thus far. Thank you for hosting me and my team, and I look forward to even more intensive cooperation in the future," she stated.

Diplomatic relations between Albania and Finland were established on August 27, 1956. The two countries maintain strong bilateral relations and an increasingly active political dialogue.