The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today received his counterpart, the Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, with whom he reviewed the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries, marking 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and Albania and 20 years since the opening of our embassy in Tirana.
Notable highlights include the exponential increase in Spanish tourists visiting Albania — approximately 110,000 in 2025 — and the growing demand for the Spanish language, which has led the Cervantes Institute to explore new ways of increasing its presence in the country. The ministers also discussed the desirability of boosting bilateral trade and investment relations, including in areas such as renewable energy and infrastructure.
During the meeting, Albares reiterated to his Albanian counterpart Spain’s firm support for Albania’s candidacy in its EU accession process and acknowledged the progress made to date.
Finally, the ministers discussed the main issues on the global agenda. Spain’s position is clear: Europe must defend and preserve the values and interests that have guaranteed decades of peace and prosperity, and commit to dialogue and negotiation in an international context marred by war and confrontation.
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