Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid an official visit to the Republic of Albania on 27 and 28 July 2026, during which he met with the country’s senior officials to discuss further strengthening bilateral relations, Albania’s European perspective, and cooperation on issues of shared regional and security interest.
During his meeting with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, the two ministers reaffirmed the traditionally close and friendly relations between Croatia and Albania, founded on mutual trust, shared values and their alliance within NATO. They expressed their commitment to further strengthening these ties, particularly in the lead-up to the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which will be marked in 2027.
Particular attention was devoted to Albania’s path towards European Union membership. Grlić Radman congratulated Albania on the significant progress achieved in its EU accession negotiations, including the provisional closure of Chapters 25, 26 and 30. He stressed that Croatia would continue to provide political, expert and technical support to Albania, drawing on its own experience from the EU accession process.
The ministers also discussed opportunities to further enhance economic and defence cooperation, improve transport and energy connectivity, strengthen cooperation in migration management, and pursue joint efforts to protect the Adriatic Sea.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Edi Rama, Grlić Radman discussed further deepening the strategic partnership, intensifying political and economic cooperation, and advancing the implementation of regional infrastructure and transport projects. They also exchanged views on current security challenges and on further strengthening coordination between Croatia and Albania as NATO Allies.
At his meeting with the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, the two sides reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations and their shared commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic values.
As part of the official visit, Grlić Radman also met with the Vice Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania, Klodiana Spahiu, to discuss the role of parliamentary cooperation in further developing bilateral relations and supporting Albania’s European integration process. He also met with the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Albania, Archbishop Giovanni Peragine, with whom he exchanged views on social and regional developments, as well as on the importance of interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
Grlić Radman’s official visit to Tirana reaffirmed the high level of trust and closeness that characterises Croatian-Albanian relations, as well as the shared commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership. It also reaffirmed Croatia’s continued engagement with all the countries of the Western Balkans and its strong support for their European path, while consistently advocating a credible enlargement process based on individual merit and full EU membership as its ultimate objective.
Press releases
