Japan-Albania Relations
Japan-Albania Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
February 17, 2018
On February 17, commencing at 11 a.m. (local time; 7 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who was visiting Munich to attend the Munich Security Conference, held a meeting with Mr. Ditmir Bushati, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the beginning, Minister Kono noted that Albania has made consistent progress on democratization and transition to a market economy since the beginning of the 1990s, and explained that Japan attaches importance to the relationship with Albania, which influences the peace and stability of the Western Balkan region. He also mentioned that the bilateral relations have been steadily developed, including the opening of the Embassy of Japan last year, and that he hopes for active high-level exchanges. In response, Minister Bushati welcomed the opening of the Embassy of Japan in Tirana, and explained that Albania hopes to learn from Japan’s experiences and knowledge in various fields such as water management and the green economy.
- Minister Kono explained that Japan will promote bilateral and regional cooperation under the “Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative.” Minister Bushati replied that he welcomes the Initiative, which was announced by Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and explained that he hopes to hold discussions on which fields such cooperation can be realized in.
- Furthermore, Minister Kono explained Japan’s position on the North Korea issue, and Minister Bushati stated that Albania supports it.
- In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on a variety of topics, including international affairs and cooperation in the international arena such as the United Nations Security Council reform.