Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, is visiting Greece to strengthen ties and boost cooperation in agriculture.

In an interview with the Greek newspaper Ta Nea, Salla said the visit aims to expand trade and deepen collaboration in agriculture, a key sector for both countries. He noted that Albania seeks to integrate more fully into the European common market.

In Athens, Salla met with key Greek political and business figures. He held a meeting with Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food, Konstantinos Tsiaras, to discuss ways to increase agricultural trade.

Next, Salla visited the Greek Parliament and met with Fotini Arabatzi, chair of the Standing Committee on Production and Trade. He then met with Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theoharis, responsible for economic diplomacy, and later visited the Athens Chamber of Commerce for discussions with its president, Jannis Hatzitheodosiou.

Salla also engaged with the Albanian community in Greece and visited several Albanian businesses operating there.

He highlighted three main objectives: first, strengthen bilateral trade; second, deepen institutional cooperation for EU alignment; and third, apply Greek expertise in implementing the Common Agricultural Policy, which has succeeded in Greece.

Salla described the visit as a valuable opportunity to learn from Greece’s proven practices and apply them in Albania.

He stressed the importance of close cooperation on climate change. Sharing experiences and developing joint solutions can help manage water resources, promote sustainable agriculture, and protect farmers’ incomes.

Finally, Salla emphasized that Albania seeks Greek support to advance EU negotiations on agricultural policy. He called for continued positive relations, based on strategic interests, NATO cooperation, and a shared European perspective.

/a.c/