The state of Israel is located in West Asia. Population 9,518,780 inhabitants, 71% are Jewish and 20.9% Arab. The economic and technological center of the country is Tel Aviv while the government is located in Jerusalem.

OVERVIEW

Albania was one of the first countries that recognized the State of Israel on April 16, 1949. The Republic of Albania and the State of Israel established diplomatic relations on August 19, 1991. The Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Israel was opened in 1998, while the Embassy of the State of Israel in Tirana was opened in 2012. The relations between our two countries are based on the long-standing attitude of Albania towards the Jews, especially during the Second World War, with the shelter and rescue not only of those living in Albania, about 200 Jews, but also of tenfold that came from other countries, over 2000. At the end of World War II, Albania was the only country where the number of Jews after the War was greater than before it began.

BILATERAL RELATIONS

Both countries enjoy very good political-diplomatic relations that is reflected on the intensification of economic cooperation in sectors with mutual interest.

Reciprocal visits confirm the commitment of both sides to further enhance the level of relations and cooperation. The Prime Minister Rama visited Israel in 2020.

Between our countries exists an adequate legal framework that enables trade and economic cooperation, cooperation in the field of tourism, culture, science, etc. On January 1, 2022, entered into force the Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, which is expected to improve the presence of Albanian businesses in Israel and vice versa.

There is a modest Jewish community in Albania who contributes worthily to the country’s political development; administration, health, arts etc.

Albanian is an Observer country to the International Holocaust Alliance Remembrance (IHRA). In October 2020 the Albanian Parliament adopted the Resolution “On the approval of the usable definition of anti-Semitism, defined by the International Alliance for the Remembrance of the Holocaust” as well as the organization of the First Balkan’s Forum against Anti-Semitism. Additionally, the Albanian Presidency of the OSCE, organized in Tirana, the High Level Conference on the Fight against Anti-Semitism in the OSCE region.

Both countries are members at a number of international organizations, having a good multilateral cooperation. Albania as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on its mandate 2022-2023, pays special attention addressing security issues and conflicts, including the Israel-Palestinian one.