Text and photos: Juan David Latorre
Last Monday, the Embassy of Albania celebrated the 113th anniversary of national independence at the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá Madrid, which hosted a large number of members of the Diplomatic Corps.
After recalling the meetings and mutual visits of the highest authorities of both countries, the Albanian ambassador, Entela Gjika, noted that “this year, Albania held general elections and in September formed a new government that has reaffirmed its firm commitment to European integration. We have opened the final chapter on our path to the European Union. Spain has always stood by our side on our European journey. Its support is not only diplomatic; it is an expression of confidence in our future, in our reforms, and in the role that Albania already plays in the great European family.”
“Our bond is also strong within NATO,” the Albanian ambassador noted. “Albania will host the NATO summit in 2027, an honor that reflects the trust placed in our country and our commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. Together with Spain, we defend collective security and firmly support Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and against Russian aggression. At the same time, we maintain our commitment to peace in the Middle East, recognizing Palestine and clearly supporting the two-state solution.”
Regarding security, Entela Gjika emphasized that “our bilateral cooperation is exceptional. Albania and Spain work together against organized crime and drug trafficking in coordinated operations. This work demonstrates that security is a shared responsibility and a pillar of our democracies.”
The Albanian ambassador noted that “Albanian exports to Spain grew by 100% at the beginning of this year, one of the highest rates in all our trade agreements. Spanish exports to Albania increased by 10% in the first half of the year. This dynamic confirms that our economies continue to discover new opportunities and shared strengths. Spanish companies are playing an increasingly important role in key Albanian sectors, such as renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and especially tourism. Meliá Hotels International has become the largest international hotel group in the country. In tourism, our presence at FITUR has been a turning point, increasing our visibility not only in Spain but also in Latin America”.
“In 2026, we will present Albania as a year-round destination,” the ambassador stated. “I would like to highlight new cultural, gastronomic, and ecotourism routes. Connectivity is also growing. More and more direct flights will connect Tirana with Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga, bringing our cities closer than ever before. Education and science represent another important area of cooperation.” In the scientific field, initiatives like NanoALT, now NanoBalkan, are consolidating Albania’s position as a nanotechnology hub in close collaboration with the Institute of Nanoscience in Barcelona.
“Our digital transformation is equally remarkable,” stated Entela Gjika. “Albania has introduced Diella to the world, the first digital minister with artificial intelligence. Our digital strategy has enabled us to modernize the administration, expanding e-services and insurance, and strengthening cybersecurity. Digitalization has become a key force against corruption and a tool for building transparent and efficient institutions.”
The Albanian ambassador concluded by noting that “Albania and Spain are united not only by shared interests but also by profound human values. Spanish culture is highly valued in Albania, and in Spain, the Albanian community contributes talent, work, integration, and culture. Looking to the future, the potential is enormous in green energy, technological innovation, sustainable tourism, higher education, and scientific research. Together, we can contribute not only to the values of our citizens but also to a stronger, greener, and more unified Europe.” The history of Albanian-Spanish relations is a story of progress, friendship, and shared partnership, and I am confident that with trust and cooperation, our common future will be even brighter.”
