Sunak and Albania’s PM Rama Join Forces at Downing Street
Rishi Sunak today hosted Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama at Downing Street, marking a key step in boosting UK-Albania ties. The visit aims to ramp up cooperation on security, trade, and tackling crime.
Stronger UK-Albania Alliance on Security and Trade
Both leaders unveiled plans to deepen their partnership. They pledged to tackle global and regional threats together, including a hard line on Russia’s aggression. Cyber defence support for Albania is also on the cards to shield against online attacks.
Sunak praised the long-standing Albanian community’s valuable role in Britain and highlighted fresh opportunities to grow trade, investment, and tech links between the two nations.
Cracking Down on Illegal Migration and Crime
Sunak and Rama committed to stepping up work against illegal migration and ruthless people-smugglers. They agreed on more joint operations, improved data sharing, and harsher measures to deter travel attempts.
- About 800 illegal migrants have returned to Albania since December
- New UK guidelines now list Albania as a safe country
- Increased cooperation on extraditions, prosecutions and forensic work
A UK-Albanian team will soon assess Albania’s prison capacity with the goal of repatriating eligible Albanian prisoners from UK jails by the end of April.
Business and Education: A Bright Future
The PMs also welcomed progress in business and university links. Highlights include launching the British Chamber of Commerce in Albania and doubling UK Export Finance support for Albanian investments to £4 billion.
Collaborations between UK and Albanian universities are set to deepen, fostering closer educational ties.
This Downing Street meeting signals a stronger, more secure partnership driving trade, security, and shared values between the UK and Albania.
