The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, was received in a special meeting by the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban.
The Head of State praised Hungary’s strong support for the membership of Albania and the Western Balkans in the European Union, emphasizing in particular its key role during the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council in 2024 in advancing negotiations, as well as its continued advocacy for a strategic, fair, and merit-based enlargement process.
Discussions between President Begaj and Prime Minister Orban focused on strengthening political dialogue between the two countries as allies in NATO and soon within the EU.
The two leaders also addressed the regional security situation, underlining that the accession of the region to the European Union further enhances security not only in the region itself but also within the EU.
President Begaj stressed that the Albanian factor in the region is cooperative and pro-European. Regarding economic cooperation between the two countries, he highlighted the significant investments already made in the banking, telecommunications, and air transport sectors, which have proven successful both for investors and for Albania. In this context, he invited Hungarian entrepreneurs to invest in the country.
“They should not hesitate to follow the example of the very successful Hungarian companies already operating in Albania,” the Head of State underlined, expressing to Prime Minister Orban his commitment to encourage further Hungarian capital inflows into the country. “Albania also encourages Hungarian support in facilitating and promoting access for Albanian products in its market,” the President added.
The meeting also discussed the notable increase in Hungarian visitors to Albania. During the talks, both sides acknowledged the steps taken by the Albanian and Hungarian governments in other areas such as justice, agriculture, education, culture, and training. President Begaj also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Orban for the scholarships granted to Albanian students.
During his visit to Hungary, President Bajram Begaj paid tribute to Albania’s National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, and to the Albanian saint, Mother Teresa, by laying wreaths at their monuments in Budapest.
