Tirana, October 11, 2024 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them a “common shame for humanity” during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana on Thursday. Erdogan urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel, facilitate humanitarian aid, and ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
“We need to make every effort as the international community to ensure a permanent ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid, and apply the necessary pressure on Israel,” Erdogan stated, expressing confidence that Albania would contribute to these efforts.
Erdogan and Rama also co-chaired the second High-Level Cooperation Council meeting between Türkiye and Albania, where they oversaw the signing of four cooperation agreements in the fields of communication, education, and agriculture, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Inauguration of the Grand Mosque of Tirana
Later in the day, Erdogan inaugurated the Grand Mosque of Tirana, also known as the Namazgah Mosque, one of the largest in the Balkans. During the inauguration ceremony, Erdogan highlighted the importance of opposing Israeli “state terror,” calling it a “conscientious obligation.”
The construction of the mosque, launched in 2015 with funding from Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), was a significant symbol of Türkiye’s partnership with Albania. The mosque, located near Albania’s parliament, has a capacity of 8,000 worshippers, with a cultural center on its first floor.
Military and Economic Cooperation
During his visit, Erdogan also emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Albania’s armed forces by providing military equipment and training. Prime Minister Rama confirmed that Türkiye had gifted a “significant number of drones” to the Albanian army, strengthening the defense capabilities of the strategic partners.
In addition to military cooperation, the two leaders discussed plans to increase bilateral trade volume to $2 billion in the near term. Erdogan also reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to cooperating with Albania in the fight against terrorist organizations, including FETO.
Details of the Signed Agreements
The visit also saw the signing of four major agreements. A joint declaration was made to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, alongside agreements for cooperation in agricultural insurance and public relations. A significant protocol was also signed to establish academic branches and programs of Istanbul Technical University in Albania.
Erdogan’s visit to Albania is part of a broader Balkan tour aimed at reviewing bilateral relations with the region. Following his meetings in Tirana, Erdogan is scheduled to travel to Belgrade, Serbia.
Türkiye’s Strategic Role in Albania
Türkiye remains one of Albania’s largest investors, contributing significantly to its infrastructure and other critical sectors. The strategic partnership between the two countries continues to grow, with mutual efforts to boost trade, defense, and educational cooperation.
The Grand Mosque of Tirana, funded with 30 million euros ($34 million), serves as a testament to Türkiye’s commitment to its partnership with Albania. The mosque features four minarets, a 30-meter central dome, and a total area of 10,000 square meters, symbolizing Türkiye’s cultural and religious influence in the region.
