Saudi Arabia marked its National Day in Tirana at a reception hosted by Ambassador Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, with President Bajram Begaj as guest of honour. Members of the Assembly of Albania, government officials, diplomats, academics, artists, religious community leaders and media representatives attended. Al-Madi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic and social transformation under Vision 2030, including economic diversification, investment in human capital, innovation and new economic sectors. He also outlined Riyadh’s foreign policy priorities, including dialogue, cooperation, respect for sovereignty and peaceful diplomatic solutions.

Al-Madi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts for peace and stability in Yemen and its concerns over Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He also reaffirmed Saudi support for Palestinian self-determination, an independent state and a two-state solution. According to figures presented in his speech, Saudi aid has reached 175 countries and exceeded $145 billion. In 2025, the Kingdom ranked second globally and first among Arab countries for humanitarian and emergency aid, according to United Nations financial tracking data cited in the speech.

Turning to Albania, Al-Madi highlighted bilateral relations established on 2 December 1992 and mechanisms including the Saudi-Albanian Joint Commission and Business Council. He also noted the Saudi Development Fund’s infrastructure projects in Albania. The ambassador said the two countries should explore new opportunities in investment, tourism, culture and education. He announced plans to open an Arabic language institute in Albania under Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. The institute would serve Albanian students and others from across the Balkans.

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