The President of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash, met with the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi during Begaj’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates. This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
At the beginning of the meeting, Ghobash welcomed President Begaj, emphasising that this visit is a vital opportunity to enhance the growing relationship between the UAE and Albania. He highlighted the continuous development of these ties, noting the commitment of both countries’ leadership to reinforce cooperation, particularly in parliamentary and institutional domains. Ghobash underscored the importance of parliamentary work and diplomatic engagement in fostering friendship and understanding among nations.
Discussions on Regional and International Issues
During the meeting, both leaders discussed a range of regional and international issues, exchanging views on current developments. They affirmed the significance of achieving global peace, security, and stability, supporting all efforts aimed at providing a better future for peoples worldwide.
Momentum in UAE-Albanian Relations
Ghobash pointed out that recent momentum in high-level communications reflects the depth of relations between the UAE and Albania. He reiterated the need for continuing to lay down institutional frameworks governing bilateral relations at both executive and legislative levels, encouraging official visits and parliamentary exchanges. The possibility of signing memorandums of understanding to support coordination and cooperation in mutually prioritized areas was also discussed.
Support for EU Membership
Ghobash congratulated President Begaj on the progress Albania has made in its negotiations for EU membership, expressing the UAE’s support for this initiative as a contribution to bolstering stability and prosperity in the Balkan region.
Commitment to National Sovereignty and Maritime Security
The two leaders also addressed shared concerns regarding national security. Ghobash firmly rejected any acts of aggression targeting the security and sovereignty of nations, highlighting the necessity of respecting good neighbourly principles and the sovereignty of countries. This statement was in light of the aggressive actions that have threatened the UAE’s security and sovereignty from Iran.
He reiterated the strategic importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, given its critical role in global energy security and trade. Ghobash condemned any actions that could jeopardise maritime flow or destabilise regional stability.
Enhancing Parliamentary Cooperation
On parliamentary matters, the two sides explored ways to enhance direct cooperation between the Federal National Council and the Albanian Parliament, including activating the parliamentary friendship group to bolster parliamentary diplomacy and support existing executive collaborations.
Economic Collaboration and Strategic Partnership
Ghobash commended the advanced level of economic relations between the UAE and Albania, reflecting a shared political will and mutual trust in expanding economic and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism about future cooperative ventures between the two nations.
In response, President Begaj acknowledged the deep strategic partnership between Albania and the UAE. He expressed appreciation for the high level of friendship and cooperation achieved, along with the continuous growth across various sectors facilitated by reciprocal visits from senior officials in both countries.
Begaj also praised the balanced and responsible positions of the UAE regarding various regional and international issues, stemming from a commitment to the principles of international law, humanitarian law, humanitarian assistance, and the protection of civilians.
The meeting was attended by several officials from the Federal National Council, including the Second Deputy Speaker, Mariam Majid bin Thania, and members Hamid Al-Tayer, Meera Al-Suwaidi, Sara Mohammed Falkanaz, and Sheikh Al-Kaabi, along with the Council’s Secretary-General Dr. Omar Al-Nuaimi and Assistant Secretary-General for Council Presidency Affairs Tareq Ahmed Al-Marzouqi. Also present was the UAE Ambassador to Greece and non-resident Ambassador to Albania, Dr. Ali Obaid Ali Al-Yabhouni Al-Dhaheri.