President Begaj from Tallinn, Estonia: Good News! Now a direct air route from Tallinn to Tirana. More tourists to Albania, more trade exchanges between the two countries
President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, is today in Estonia, continuing his state visits to the Baltic States. He was welcomed with a state ceremony at the Kadriorg Presidential Palace in Tallinn by his Estonian counterpart, H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, with whom he held one-on-one meetings and then meetings with the respective delegations.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, finalizing Albania’s EU accession process, EU expansion in the Western Balkans, cooperation in cybersecurity, Ukraine, and the response to Russian aggression.
President Begaj expressed confidence that this visit would enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as tourism, energy, cybersecurity, electronic services, and information and communication technology. The establishment of the new permanent Air Baltic route between Tallinn and Tirana was seen as great news by the head of state. “This direct line shortens distances, boosts economic exchanges, enhances tourism, and brings our peoples closer together,” President Begaj evaluated.
In addition to the opportunities for tourism growth, President Begaj emphasized that there is still room for the growth of Estonian investments in Albania in energy, agriculture, information technology, and cybersecurity. The assistance from Estonia to Albania following the 2022 cyberattack was appreciated, and President Begaj highlighted that this cooperation could be deepened through the Estonian academy for training and qualifying young Albanians in the field of cybersecurity. As two NATO countries, Albania and Estonia are committed to advancing their cooperation agenda for national defense and shared cyber space.
Regarding Albania’s EU accession process, President Begaj expressed his gratitude to President Alar Karis for his support, while requesting that Estonia be more present in Albania with its expertise in integration, as a leading state in the European Union for administrative reform. “Albania is part of Europe,” President Begaj emphasized, underlining the reforms beneficial to the citizens, which should enable a quicker finalization of EU membership.
Another challenge for the Western Balkan countries is facing Russian influence after the aggression in Ukraine. President Begaj thanked the President of Estonia for his support for Kosovo in its efforts to join Euro-Atlantic and international structures.
Regarding Ukraine, the Head of State reaffirmed Albania’s unconditional support in this confrontation with unjust and unwarranted Russian aggression, arguing this active stance with adherence to the principle of respecting and establishing an international rule-based order.
President Begaj received congratulations for this role from his Estonian counterpart, Alar Karis, who was informed about the further increase of the defense budget aimed at preserving peace. On this issue and other objectives as NATO allies, President Begaj discussed in a separate meeting with the Estonian Minister of Defense, Mr. Hanno Pevkur.
During his visit in Tallinn, President Begaj, accompanied by President Karis, visited the Maarjamäe Memorial to the Victims of Communism, where they paid homage to the fallen with a floral wreath.