Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ congratulatory message on the occasion of Albania’s National Day (30.11.2022)

Dear Ambassador, dear friends,

I wish to express my warmest congratulations on the National Day of Albania.

On this festive occasion, allow me to convey my best wishes for the welfare, prosperity and progress of the Albanian people.

Unfortunately, I cannot be among you tonight.

However, I will have the privilege of hosting my Albanian counterpart in Athens this coming Friday. I will also have the pleasure of accompanying Prime Minister Mitsotakis on his visit to Albania on December 6th; a visit that will take place on the occasion of the first ever EU-Western Balkans Summit to take place in an EU candidate country of the region.

The Greek and Albanian people are bonded by traditional ties of friendship. Greece and Albania share much more than a common border. They share a long history of interactions and exchanges. Skënderbeu is a national hero in both our countries. Both countries have suffered under fascism during the 2nd World War.

Thanks also to the presence of the Greek National Minority in Albania, as well as the large number of Albanians living and working in Greece.

Building on this unique foundation, our relations have flourished to our mutual benefit.

We are determined to advance our cooperation in a variety of fields of common interest and to resolve outstanding issues on the basis of international law.

I would also like to congratulate you on the significant advances made in 2022 regarding your European perspective.

We stand ready to assist Albania in every way possible in order to make fast progress on the road to accession.

Looking forward to continuing our work together, I wish a most memorable National Day and a pleasant evening.