Alastair King-Smith, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Albania, was the next guest on the “Inside Albania” podcast hosted by journalist Alice Taylor.
The British diplomat revealed a series of projects in which his embassy is involved to economically support the northern regions of Albania, where the phenomenon of young people leaving, especially towards the United Kingdom, is more pronounced.
“We have established several entrepreneurship centers for young people. We opened one in Kukës, and there will be others, in Dibër as well. We will initiate programs with schools. We also provide grants for small businesses so that individuals can start businesses and employ people,” King-Smith explained.
The ambassador commented on the figures of illegal emigration from Albania to the United Kingdom. Compared to 2022, their levels during this year have decreased by 90%.
“My appeal to every young person thinking of leaving illegally is not to do it. There are legal ways to go to the United Kingdom. We have opened a visa application center in the north to facilitate migration and show that we are open for business.”
The ambassador shared some details from important documents signed in London by the Albanian Minister of Interior, Taulant Balla, after a meeting with his British counterpart, James Cleverly.
“It is a very important part of our agreement within the context of the Joint Communication our two prime ministers signed last year. The declaration of cooperation implies that there will be exchanges, police operations, we will intensify what we do through the immigration task force, we will see how we can support the transformation within the police. We already see the State Police as a good partner for cooperation.”
Finally, King-Smith clarified the reasons why the United Kingdom decided to declare former Prime Minister Sali Berisha as non grata, while also warning that similar measures will be taken in the future.
“We fully support the judicial system of Albania, especially institutions like the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK). We do not comment on individual cases, but what I can say is that we are committed to disrupting links between crime, corruption, and politics. We will take measures when we consider it appropriate.”
