TIRANA, January 15 – During his official visit to Italy, the Speaker of the Assembly of Albania, Niko Peleshi, met with the President of the Senate of the Italian Republic, Ignazio La Russa. Peleshi was accompanied by members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Italy.

They reaffirmed the strong historical and current ties between Albania and Italy. These ties form the basis for cooperation between the parliaments, governments, and institutions of both countries.

Peleshi expressed gratitude for Italy’s continuous support for Albania’s development, democratization, and progress. He highlighted Italy’s role in supporting Albania’s European Union integration efforts and emphasized Albania’s strategic choice of the EU as its sole path.

The officials discussed opportunities to expand economic and trade cooperation. They explored sectors such as information technology and artificial intelligence. They also recognized the role of the Arbëresh community and Albanian emigrants in Italy as a bridge of friendship. Italy’s support for preserving their language, culture, and values was noted.

Peleshi underlined the need to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the Albanian Parliament and the Italian Senate. La Russa confirmed Italy’s support for Albania’s rapid advancement and accession to the European Union. He also highlighted the close NATO partnership and praised Albania’s foreign and security policy in defending freedom, democracy, and peace.

La Russa assured that the Italian Senate will continue to support and promote the strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation. At the conclusion of the meeting, Peleshi invited La Russa for an official visit to Albania.

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