TIRANA, June 16 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj is on an official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit marks the first official trip by an Albanian president to Uzbekistan since diplomatic relations started in 1993.
Meanwhile in Tashkent, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the Albanian head of state with an official ceremony. At the same time, Begaj attends the International Investment Forum 2026. The forum focuses on strengthening investment flows and international economic cooperation.
During talks between the two presidents, both sides focused on the future of bilateral relations. Begaj said cooperation must move beyond a formal framework. In addition, he said cooperation must deliver concrete results in areas of shared interest. He described the visit as an opportunity to open a new chapter in relations between Albania and Uzbekistan. He also stressed the need for sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The two sides expanded discussions to broader sectors, including political relations, trade, energy, agriculture, tourism, digital development, innovation, education and culture. Meanwhile, both sides stressed the importance of turning dialogue into concrete institutional agreements. They also stressed stronger coordination within international organisations.
The discussion also focused on people-to-people exchanges. The Albanian president highlighted student mobility, professional exchanges and business cooperation. He said these channels strengthen bilateral relations over time. In addition, both sides discussed a direct air connection between the two countries as an important step forward. Uzbek authorities confirmed plans to open an embassy in Tirana.
Begaj also briefed President Mirziyoyev on Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. EU accession remains a strategic objective for Albania. He said the country continues to advance reforms and meet required standards. At the same time, he said Albania stands ready for the next stage of the process.
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