Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis meets today with Albania’s new Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali, and the issues expected to dominate their talks are significant and longstanding. The outcome of these discussions is expected to mark a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two states.
The delimitation of maritime zones and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Albania is the primary issue for Greek diplomacy, as its resolution has been pending for five years. Athens expects Tirana to fulfill the commitment given by Edi Rama to refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, with a clear timeline that will lead to the definitive settlement of the issue.
Energy projects on the agenda for Gerapetritis and Albania’s new Foreign Minister
According to sources, today’s meeting is expected to address energy projects and Albania’s connection to LNG transport pipelines as part of an energy architecture in the Ionian and Adriatic seas. The broader goal is energy transport to EU countries, with Greece functioning as a stable energy and transport corridor and Albania becoming involved in Europe’s plan to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas.
Greek minority rights a major issue
A vital discussion point for neighboring Albania is its EU accession process. Giorgos Gerapetritis is expected to support Albania’s European path once again, while setting as a prerequisite its clear commitment to respecting the rule of law and primarily protecting the Greek minority. It should be recalled that Greek-Albanian relations were seriously damaged following the Himara election cancellation case and the imprisonment of Fredi Beleri, with Greek diplomacy threatening to veto the neighboring country’s accession procedures. It’s worth noting that the head of Greek diplomacy, in his June meeting with Albania’s previous Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, had stated that “the shadows that troubled relations between the two states must disappear,” while emphasizing that “Greece, consistent with its declared position, consented to the start of accession negotiations between the European Union and Albania, evaluating the progress made in individual chapters.”
The two countries’ intention to improve their relations was also expressed through the signing of a Cooperation Memorandum on Saturday, by which the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Dimitris Skaltos, and the director of the Albanian Investment Development Agency, Laura Saro, agreed to promote investments between the two countries. Greek-Albanian cooperation, beyond further expanding their collaboration in increasing investments, also aims at developing sustainable projects and generally improving the business climate and promoting regional economic development.
Albania’s new Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali is also expected to meet with the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas.
