Albania ready to be India’s gateway to Western Balkans: Foreign Minister Igli Hasani

Albania, a country in the Western Balkans with a rising economy and famous for Mother Teresa, is pitching itself to emerge as India’s gateway to the region where countries are in negotiations to join the European Union (EU), according to Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania.

Hasani who was on a visit to India to participate in Raisina Dialogue told ET about the immense opportunity to deepen and strengthen the relationship with India with a focus on economy and people to people ties. “Albania offers Mediterranean culture and with its mountains and seas and affordable tourism infrastructure has emerged as the most attractive European tourist destination,” Hasani said, adding, “50,000 Indians visited Albania last year. A total of 10 million tourists visited Albania in 2023 and the country with a population of three million, this is a big achievement.”

“Albania is at the crossroads between the European Union and the East. Albania is a part of many corridors that go through possible routes of goods that link India with the European Union. With Albania today emerging as one of the fastest growing European economic realities in the last year, we are moving rapidly to foster stronger economic ties with India. Six countries in the region including Albania are in negotiations to join the EU and we are ready to be a gateway for India in the region.”


Albania also provides opportunities for Indian investors in IT, agriculture and manufacturing.

Hasani said “I’m glad to know the plans of the Indian Government to open a representation in Tirana and we are also planning to open an Embassy very soon in New Delhi, India.”

Honorary Consul General of Albania in India, Dikshu Kukreja said, “Albanian language traces its roots in Sanskrit and has a strong connection with India. The beauty of the country and peace-loving nature of Albanians go hand-in-hand.”

Albania, which was close to China during the Cold War period does not have a major Chinese economic presence in the country and is not under any debt burden, Hasani pointed out.