– The two countries signed two agreements worth 10 million francs-
BERN, March 31/ATA/ (Nefail Maliqi) – Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama met today President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard and talked about intensification of relations between the two countries.
PM Rama is in Bern for an official visit and is accompanied by Albania’s ambassador to Switzerland Ilir Gjoni.
According to “Presheva jonë” news agency, this is the first time since 1994 that an Albanian prime minister visits Switzerland.
The political and economic relations between the two countries and the situation in the Western Balkans were at the focus of the discussions. Both sides emphasized their readiness to continue and strengthen links between Switzerland and Albania, which are increased more during the last years.
PM Rama expressed his gratitude to Switzerland for the support and care shown to the Albanian emigrants, the number of which is about 250 thousand.
“Switzerland is actually one of the biggest donor countries of Albania,” said PM Rama.
During the meeting today were signed even two other agreements worth 10 million francs for projects in the field of professional molding and decentralization.
The discussions focused also on reform in judiciary which also targets to improve the investment climate in Albania, cooperation on migration, police cooperation and situation in the Western Balkans.
PM Rama expressed to President Leuthard gratitude for the Swiss constant contribution to Albania and especially for the success of the admistrative-territorial reform.
The prime minister said that reform in the judiciary system, beginning with the vetting, is strategic and of importance for prevailing of the right, economic development and increase of employment.
On her part, President Leuthard appreciated useful for the further development of the relations between the two countries the fact that this is the first visit by an Albanian prime minister to Switzerland since the 90-ies. The president also positively assessed Albanian government reforms especially that in the justice system.
The Swiss delegation expressed concern on the tension and crisis in the region. The Swiss president Leuthard positively assessed the constructive role of Albania and emphasized the importance of Tirana continuing to act a mediator, as “Presheva Jone” agency reports.
During this visit, the prime minister is accompanied by Education Minister Lindita Nikolla, Social Welfare and Youth Olta Xhaxhçka, Minister of Urban Development Englantina Gjermeni and Durrësi Mayor Vangjush Dako. /k.s/f.n/p.s./
