Azerbaijan and Albania abolished visa requirements and enhance economic cooperation, signaling a new era in their bilateral relations. The agreements, signed in Baku by Deputy Foreign Ministers Fariz Rzayev of Azerbaijan and Besart Kadia of Albania, aim to facilitate easier travel and foster economic growth between the two nations.
The visa waiver agreement, effective from March 1, allows citizens holding regular international passports to travel between Azerbaijan and Albania without the need of a visa. This move will increase tourism, cultural exchanges, and business interactions, providing a substantial boost to both economies. Additionally, the economic cooperation agreement focuses on sectors critical to both countries, including energy, trade, tourism, industry, agriculture, transport, and infrastructure. By promoting bilateral business partnerships and investments, this agreement lays the groundwork for robust joint activities and projects that could reshape the economic landscape of both nations.
The agreements come at a time when both Azerbaijan and Albania are seeking to expand their international alliances and economic partnerships. For Azerbaijan, this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance its geopolitical standing and economic ties beyond its immediate region. Albania, on the other hand, views this partnership as an opportunity to diversify its economic relations and strengthen its position in Southeast Europe. The collaboration is also seen as a step towards greater regional stability, with potential ripple effects on peace and economic development in neighboring areas.
“Fariz Rzayev, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, and Besart Kadia, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania talked about deepening bilateral relations between our countries with a focus to economic interaction and people to people contacts. The meeting followed by signing of a visa exemption agreement – another strong contribution to bilateral relations”, said Azeri ambassador to Albania.