France, officially the French Republic, is a transcontinental country that includes Western Europe and overseas regions and territories in South America and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Due to its several coastal territories, France has the largest exclusive economic zone in the world.

France is a semi-presidential unitary republic with Paris as its capital, the country’s largest city and main cultural and commercial center; other major urban areas include Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille and Nice.

France was the first Western country to reestablish its diplomatic mission in Tirana in 1945. It also participated in the successful Italian-led Operation ALBA in the spring of 1997. France and Albania signed a Treaty of Understanding and Cooperation in 1994.

France and its governments have demonstrated continuous and stable commitment in the assistance they have provided to the democratic processes in Albania, especially the integration processes in the Euro-Atlantic and European structures. Meanwhile, relations between the two countries have further intensified with the signing of the Strategic Partnership Declaration in March 2017.

Deepening and progressing along the same path, in favor of consolidating and diversifying our bilateral relations, will continue to be an important priority for the Albanian Government.

France has been and continues to be an important factor in the Balkan region. Her commitment and attitudes influenced in favor of solving major issues such as the independence of Kosova.

The signing in February 2021 and the entry into force of the Agreement for the French Development Agency, important for development projects in Albania, is estimated.

Bilateral cooperation has recognized a new dynamic of development, with high-level visits, and the signing of agreements in the economic field, but also those of a cultural or political nature.

On October 16-17, 2023, the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron paid an official visit to Tirana. This visit was considered historic, being the first of a French President in Albania in the history of relations between Albania and France.

On April 12, 2024, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, conducted an office visit to the French Republic. During the visit, the Intergovernmental Agreement (G2G) between Albania and France was signed. Based on the agreement, both countries are committed to launching concrete cooperation actions, through the identification and implementation of priority strategic projects in Albania in various sectors.