Albania and Italy signed in Rome 16 agreements and memorandums of understanding in areas such as security, defense, healthcare, energy, and economic development.
Half of them — eight — concern defense, the military industry, and civil protection.
Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, and KAYO, the Albanian weapons manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint venture dedicated to building and maintaining military vessels in Albania.
KAYO will provide the Pashaliman shipyard in Vlora and invest in improving its infrastructure, while Fincantieri will invest in modernizing the production process and provide operational support, training, and engineering expertise. The agreement foresees a joint company that will act as the main contractor for shipbuilding and maintenance contracts in the Albanian market and beyond.
In the field of defense, an agreement was signed for the free transfer of two Class 400 patrol vessels from the Italian Coast Guard.
These vessels will be used by the Albanian side for maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and border control operations.
To strengthen Albania’s Civil Protection capacities, the Italian government’s €5 million grant will be used.
A €30 million civil-protection agreement was also signed, aimed at establishing all early-warning systems and implementing the European emergency number 112, which citizens can use for emergencies.
In healthcare, an agreement was signed to support a neonatology project for the protection of children and mothers. This grant for neonatology services will be used mainly for training.
In the cultural sector, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the “Maxxi” Foundation—the National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Italy—and the National Gallery of Arts in Albania. This cooperation will accompany the reopening process of the National Gallery of Arts in Tirana next year.
With the signing of the memorandum on cybersecurity cooperation, the parties will organize regular Cyber Policy meetings, serving as platforms for exchanging views and reviewing collaboration.
The memorandum of understanding against drug trafficking aims to enhance operational cooperation, facilitate the exchange of information on criminal groups, and strengthen joint operations and investigations.
Two other agreements concern cooperation with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, which will provide financial support for the electricity transmission network in northern Albania.
