Erdogan in Albania's Parliament: We have 600 years of friendship, now even strategic allies

Erdogan cited Kosovo's immediate recognition as an independent state, while saying the two peoples have been friends for 600 years.

Even though there are physical boundaries between us, for us Albania is our neighbor in the heart. Our relationships are rooted in a long, strong history, which included some 6 centuries. The traces of our common history are not only in political life, they are found in the solid buildings of Shkodra. Our co-operation agreements, which are deep and equally traditional, are very strong and steadfast”, he said.

Erdogan said they recognise the constructive role Albania has played in the Balkans. He also cited the immediate recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.

“Establishing a permanent peace environment, confidence and stability in the Balkans, ensuring good neighbourly relations and regional co-operation are among Turkey's top foreign policy priorities. In this respect, we follow with appreciation the constructive role Albania has played in the Balkans. And for recognising Kosovo as an independent state both by NATO allies, so Albania's role, which has been served in the Balkans, has been constructive”, he said.

Erdogan said the Albania-Turkey strategic partnership is, as he put it, the view of what we see today.

When Turkey and Albania join hands with the permission of the great God, there will be no problem that we cannot overcome or solve... As long as we firmly defend the brotherhood, our comprehensive approach, our common goals and our determination to advance our co-operation, I sincerely believe that together we will not allow anyone to spoil this beautiful and pleasant view as we are all looking at it together”, he stressed.

Albania's Parliament Speaker Lindita Nikola stressed that solidification and support in the difficult days of the earthquake and pandemic well reflect brotherly relations between Albania and Turkey.

“Solidarisation and support in the difficult days of earthquake and pandemic well reflect the brotherly relations that are among our peoples. Our relations are not just brotherly, solid and humane, Albania and Turkey are reliable partners in NATO and in joint efforts for development, for security, for good neighbourly, peace and stability in the region, the continent, and wider”, Nicolai said.

Turkey's President, Recep Tayip Erdogan and Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama today handed over the keys to apartments in Lac for families affected by the November 26th 2019 earthquake.

The area 1 of the new neighbourhood in Lac, Turkey-funded project, has 522 apartments, 13 collective residences and 26 palace entrances. Part of the new neighborhood are 25 service units, 380 parking lots, a 12 - unit shopping center, a playground, and green spaces. The cost of this project is around 42m euros.