During her two-day visit to Albania, National Council President Christa Markwalder held talks with her counterpart, Ilir Meta, as well as with President Bujar Nishani, Prime Minister Edi Rama and other members of parliament.
All of Ms Markwalder’s discussion partners thanked Switzerland for its generous contribution in the field of development cooperation. Switzerland is contributing around CHF 90 million in the period between 2014 and 2017, making it the second largest bilateral donor. Some 25 cooperation projects are being supported in the following four priority areas: democratisation and strengthening local governance; economic development and entrepreneurship; urban infrastructure and energy; public health. Through its support, Switzerland is also assisting Albania’s integration into European structures. Since Albania joined NATO in 2009, the country’s priority has been to seek membership of the EU. The European Council granted Albania EU candidate status in June 2014 after the European Commission produced a report praising the Albanian government for its reform efforts (particularly in the fight against corruption and organised crime, and the field of justice). However, far-reaching reforms are needed before membership negotiations can begin, particularly with regard to the rule of law.
Albania and Switzerland enjoy good bilateral relations, which began at a diplomatic level in 1970. The planned reforms could have a positive effect on the intensification of bilateral economic relations as they would provide more safeguards for potential investors.
In Durres, Albania’s main port and second largest city, Christa Markwalder, was invited to meet the mayor, Vangjush Dako. Switzerland supports local projects aimed at decentralisation and developing local administration.