Turkey and Albania agree to introduce visa exemptions

Turkey and Albania announced over the weekend that they had agreed to introduce reciprocal visa exemptions and lift entrance fees. The decision was announced during a joint press conference held after Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta met in Tirana. The two countries decided to lift bilateral relations to the highest level, and to this end agreed to introduce visa exemptions, lift entrance fees, and exchange diplomats for training purposes, Davutoglu told reporters. He said Turkish investments in Albania total nearly $1 billion, with the trade volume rising and relations developing in areas such as tourism, education and culture. Davutoglu said Turkey and Albania share a common perspective on the Balkans and the Mediterranean and that both countries welcome a recent agreement between Macedonia and Kosovo. He said the two countries would continue to work together for lasting peace in the region. For his part, Meta said Davutoglu's visit would give momentum to bilateral relations, adding that President Abdullah Gul's visit this December would also advance ties. Meta praised the agreement between Kosovo and Macedonia, calling it a fresh start for Kosovo and a symbol of the understanding between the two countries. Davutoglu also held talks with Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli.