Minister Yusuf Tekin, in his speech at the reception hosted by Albania's Ambassador to Ankara Blerta Kadzadej, expressed his happiness in participating in the event organized on the occasion of Albania's national day and said, "I congratulate you and the brotherly people of Albania with the sincerest feelings. I am pleased to be with you on this meaningful day." "I feel very happy to share your excitement and enthusiasm." he said.

 

Noting that Albania is Türkiye's "strategic partner" in the Balkans geography, Tekin made the following assessment:

 

"The Joint Political Declaration signed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama with our President during his visit to our country on January 6-7, 2021, raised our relations to the level of strategic partnership. Thus, the relations and cooperation between our countries have been placed on a stronger ground in all aspects."

 

Minister Tekin emphasized that the Albanian people have a special place in the hearts of the Turkish people and that the people of the two countries help each other in difficult times.

 

Pointing out that the good relations between the two countries date back to the past, Tekin said, "Albania is our neighbor of the heart. The traces of our common history are expressed not only in the political arena, but also in our architectural texture, material culture elements and civilizational values." said.

 

Pointing out that one of the important pillars of Türkiye -Albania cooperation is education, Tekin said:

 

"We also attach great importance to strengthening our educational relations with Albania. Our educational relations with Albania are carried out within the framework of the 'Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Education between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania' signed in Ankara on January 6, 2021. Within the scope of Türkiye scholarships in higher education institutions of our country "A total of 192 Albanian students, approximately 1,050, continue their education. We hope that these numbers will increase in line with our developing cooperation."

 

Ambassador Kadzadej also defined Türkiye as his country's "strategic partner" and said, "Our countries have very good and friendly relations, deep historical ties, close partnership and alliance in NATO, the position of the two countries as a factor of peace and stability, and continuous fruitful political dialogue and business cooperation."

 

Continuing his speech in Turkish, Kadzadej said, "Dear old and new Turkish friends, I am honored to serve in a friendly country like Türkiye. Thanks to you, Türkiye has become my second home, I would like to express my gratitude from my heart." he said.