(Communicated by the Foreign Minister’s Bureau)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman will leave today (Wednesday 1 August 2012) on an official visit to Albania. In Tirana he will meet with President Bujar Nishani, Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edmond Panariti, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy Edmond Haxhinasto and opposition leader Edi Rama. FM Liberman will also hold additional meetings.
FM Liberman will inaugurate the Israeli embassy in Tirana at a festive ceremony. Prior to the establishment of the embassy, Albanian issues were handled by a non-resident ambassador. This is the tenth diplomatic mission to be inaugurated since FM Liberman began serving as foreign minister. An additional three missions are due to be opened within the next year.
FM Liberman stated that the opening of each new diplomatic mission is a festive occasion for the State of Israel, the citizens of Israel and for Israeli diplomacy. This is especially true with regard to a country such as Albania, which has a Muslim population of 70% and is a NATO member.