Begaj meets counterpart Mohamed bin Zayed in first visit by an Albanian president to the United Arab Emirates

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he was received by the country’s president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to a statement from the Presidency, this is the first visit by a president of the Republic of Albania to the United Arab Emirates and aims to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two presidents expressed their willingness to advance political and economic cooperation, making use of opportunities to expand it into areas of mutual interest. Begaj said that relations between the two countries would receive a new boost with the opening of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tirana.

An important part of the talks focused on investment. The Albanian president called for greater engagement by Emirati investors in Albania, particularly in infrastructure, energy, innovation, tourism and other strategic sectors.

Begaj thanked the United Arab Emirates for the support and solidarity it had shown Albania and Albanians in difficult moments. He highlighted the assistance provided during the war in Kosovo, following the 2019 earthquake and after the cyberattack against Albania in 2022.

The meeting also addressed multilateral cooperation and international developments. According to the Presidency, Albania and the United Arab Emirates share common priorities in the areas of peace, security and development.

As a sign of the Albanian state’s gratitude for his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries, the President of the Republic presented His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the “Supreme Order of the Eagle.”

During his stay in Abu Dhabi, President Begaj also held meetings with the Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.