On March 26, 1451, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg signed an alliance with Alfonso V of Aragon, King of Naples.

This act marked the start of Hispano-Albanian relations. Before this, such ties did not exist.

Alfonso began his rule in 1442. He followed Norman traditions. He pursued an ambitious Balkan policy.

The agreement became known as the Treaty of Gaeta. The two sides coordinated their forces against the Ottoman invasion of Albania. However, the treaty also created a formal vassal relationship with defined conditions.

Until Skanderbeg’s death in 1468, Alfonso and his son, Ferrante I of Naples, supported the war against the Ottomans.

In return, Skanderbeg led 4,000 men to Naples in 1462. He helped Ferrante suppress a pro-Angevin noble revolt.

This military alliance laid the foundation for Albanian diplomatic relations in the 15th century.

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