TIRANA TIMES
TIRANA, June 28 – United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a visit to Albania last week during which he met with all top officials in the country, inaugurated the Kukes airport they had financed, and discussed developments in the Middle East.
The special moment of his visit was the opening of the Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Airport in Kuk쳬 Albania, which took place last Friday. Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta was also present.
Meta expressed the hope that his visit would further contribute to enhancing ties between the two friendly countries. They discussed bilateral cooperation and opportunities for establishing a partnership in different fields. They also exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest, as well as the current regional and international developments.
In a joint press conference held after the meeting, Shaikh Abdullah said he discussed developments in the Middle East.
Meta lauded the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE’s policies and stances towards regional and international issues. “We attach great importance and top priority to our relations with the UAE and we see plenty of areas for cooperation,” he added.
Meta pointed out that Albania was seeking to benefit from UAE’s experiment in economic development and diversification of sources of revenues.
Shaikh Abdullah said, “We, in the UAE, are proud of our relations with Albania, and of our brothers, the Albanians. We hope to see these relations developing and growing and we wish your country further progress and prosperity. The same wish goes to your neighbors in Kosovo.”
Shaikh Abdullah said he hoped that Shaikh Zayed International Airport in Kukes would serve as a symbol for strong relations between the countries.
“This airport shall bear forever the name of a great world personality, as Shaikh Zayed was and remains by virtue of his work; it was thanks to his personal engagement that the Kuk쳠Aerodrome was transformed, at that time, to carry humanitarian aid directly from the UAE,” said Meta.
“Bearing the name of Shaikh Zayed, this airport shall be an exceptional monument for life; it will not only bring to memory this extraordinary generosity by Emirates during a hard time for the Albanian people and our nation; it will also be made available for the community there and for the further strengthening of bonds among Albania, Kosovo and UAE,” he added.
Construction of the $22 million Kuk쳠international airport started in 2003. It has a 1,900-metre runway, with a control tower, an air navigation facility and an integral fire brigade building
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha stressed his country’s desire his country to further enhance ties with the UAE.
The Albanian official welcomed during the meeting the visit of Sheikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation to Albania. He hailed the economic development in the UAE, hoping for more growth of existing relations between the two countries.
During the meeting both sides discussed the bilateral relations and ways to boost them, especially in the developmental and investment areas.
Albanian President Bamir Topi also expressed his country’s will of more intense ties with the Arab country.
During the meeting both sides discussed the bilateral relations and ways to boost them, as well as issues of common interest.
