Japan-Albania Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Meta of Albania
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 24, commencing at 11:40 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Ilir Meta, President of the Republic of Albania, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. The meeting was also attended by Mr. OKADA Naoki, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, and others from the Japanese side, and by H.E. Mr. Gjergj Teneqexhiu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Albania to Japan, and others from the Albanian side.
1. Opening remarks
Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Meta’s visit to Japan on the occasion of the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor, and stated, “I am pleased that our bilateral relations have developed steadily after the opening of the Embassy of Japan in Albania in 2017.” Prime Minister Abe also expressed condolences for the damages caused by the earthquake hit Albania last month. In response, President Meta stated, “It was a great honor to attend the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor.” In addition, President Meta expressed his heartfelt condolences for those affected by Typhoon Hagibis.
2. Bilateral relations
Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for President Meta’s message of condolences. Prime Minister Abe also stated, “Japan would like to enhance the bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas.” and “I hope for further improvement of the investment climate in order to promote Japanese companies’ investment in Albania.” In response, President Meta expressed his gratitude for Japanese assistance, as well as expectation for Japanese investment and further development of cooperation in economic field. President Meta emphasized his intention to work for increasing Japanese tourists to Albania. In addition, the two leaders exchanged views on economic cooperation projects.
3. Regional situation (Western Balkans and North Korea)
Prime Minister Abe stated, “Japan supports a strongly unified Europe that shares fundamental values, and will support Albania’s efforts for EU accession under the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative.” In response, President Meta stated, “Prime Minister Abe’s Initiative and Japan’s increasing interest in the Western Balkans have a great added values. Albania is a stabilizing factor for peace in the Western Balkans and appreciates Prime Minister Abe’s commitment, taking the significance of cooperation between Albania and Japan which shares the visions of democracy into consideration.”
Prime Minister Abe asked for President Meta’s understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue.