The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama denied all allegations that speak of an increase of Turkish influence in Albania.

While speaking in the ‘State of Union’ summit in Florence, Italy, Rama emphasized that amongst the two countries there are only good relations and no “Ottomanization” is happening in the country or region.

“When it comes to the region, to Albania, I have to make it clear that we have very good relations with Turkey. It is a traditional relationship. To us, Turkey is a strategic partner. Our relations with president Erdogan is outstanding, but I have to make it clear that there is no sign of certain talks saying that president Erdogan and Turkey are exercising the Ottomanization of the Balkans in Albania or the region or in Bosnia, I don’t know. I often get angry, when reading fake news about mosques being built in Albania in order to exercise this kind of influence. It isn’t true,” emphasized Rama.

PM Rama vowed that Albania has an important destination, which is integrating into the European Union.