TIRANA, February 18 – Tirana became a hub for regional dialogue as the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania hosted the Corridor VIII ministerial. The meeting focused on reaffirming the strategic value of the project. It aimed to advance regional cooperation in connectivity, resilience, and integration.

The ministerial opened at 10:00 in the Palace of Brigades. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali led the session. Delegations from Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania joined other partner countries. They discussed Corridor VIII as a strategic axis for economic development, security, and stability in the region.

The ministry aims to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation. It also seeks to accelerate Corridor VIII’s development as a key route for transport, trade, and security. The session highlighted the corridor’s contribution to economic growth, regional stability, and European integration.

Delegates planned to sign a joint declaration. The event included bilateral meetings and a joint press conference. At the same time, the Corridor VIII Economic Forum took place at the Bank of Albania. It focused on trade facilitation, industrial development, competitiveness, and regional economic potential.

The forum gathered public officials, European institutions, financial organizations, and business leaders. They emphasized using European and international funding to make Corridor VIII a driver of investment, growth, and integration.

The ministerial agenda included the arrival of delegations, opening words from Minister Spiropali, and a session where each participant had seven minutes to present their views.

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