The Albanian Authority for State Files and the Albanological Institute of Prishtina signed a cooperation agreement today. The agreement aims to exchange documents and strengthen academic ties in historical studies between Albania and Kosova.

Officials from both institutions met in Tirana for the signing. Dr. Gentiana Sula, Chair of the Authority for State Files, hosted Professor Meliza Krasniqi and a delegation from the Prishtina institute.

Dr. Sula noted that the Kosova Fund documents complex human life stories. She added that the records reflect the fate of citizens displaced by war and their treatment by the former Sigurimi (State Security). She emphasized that the partnership will support historical research with careful ethical and legal approaches.

Meanwhile, Professor Krasniqi described the cooperation as significant for advancing scientific research. She also said it will help shed light on shared historical experiences.

The agreement sets out several activities. These include joint research, development of projects, conferences, symposia, document and publication exchanges, and studies of historical figures and events linked to the dictatorship period.

According to the Authority, planned cooperation for 2026 includes opening an exhibition in Prishtina on former Sigurimi document types. They also plan to co-organize a symposium on cross-border movements in northeastern Albania and Kosovo. Other activities include organizing “Open Files” on historical figures of Albanology, book clubs, and joint documentary publications of public interest.

The Authority said the partnership allows sharing knowledge and archival resources. They added that it will document and analyze the 1944–1991 period in both territories. They noted it will provide a more complete perspective on persecutions and repressive policies carried out by the State Security and Yugoslav institutions.

In addition, officials indicated that the collaboration strengthens transitional justice. They said it helps victims and historians uncover the truth about events such as the 1981 demonstrations and ethnic cleansings in Kosova. They added that the partnership contributes to building a shared historical narrative between Albania and Kosova. This approach, they said, promotes unity and civic education.

The institutions also aim to support European integration. They cited the German model for managing totalitarian archives as an example. They explained that the process can serve as a bridge for reconciliation and transparency.

Finally, the visit to Tirana followed a previous meeting in Prishtina. During that meeting, the Authority for State Files met with Kosova scholars to discuss joint projects.

/a.p./