Ukraine pledges readiness to intensify relations, deepen political dialogue and discuss free trade deal with Albania. This was stated by Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze during a meeting with Pandeli Majko, State Minister for Diaspora.

According to the Vice Prime Minister, the Ukrainian side is poised to analyze the possibilities for concluding the Free Trade Agreement within the framework of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The draft law on the creation of such commission was submitted by the Albanian side to Ukraine for further consideration. "The intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation should become a firm basis for the beginning of negotiations on the establishment of a free trade zone between Ukraine and Albania," Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsazde stressed.

Apart from that, she stressed readiness to resume work of Ukrainian Honorary Consulate in Tirana. Bringing political relations to a new level is a common interest of both countries, since economic cooperation has significant potential for growth.

In turn, State Minister for Diaspora emphasized that at present, the intensification of bilateral cooperation is of utmost importance, as mutual trade turnover is increasing, more and more Ukrainians are opening Albania as a tourist destination. Pandeli Majko placed an emphasis on the fact that Albania is one of those Balkan countries that unquestionably support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. Moreover, he reminded that the Albanian side remains interested in exchanging high-level visits with Ukraine. It is noteworthy that the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania is planning to pay a visit to Ukraine on February 22-23.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze thanked the Albanian side for its strong and unwavering support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, in particular, for joining the sanctions against the Russian Federation.