Relations between Türkiye and Albania are based on longstanding friendship, mutual trust and close cooperation. Albania officially declared Türkiye a “strategic partner” in 2013. Bilateral relations were further elevated through the “Joint Political Declaration on the Establishment of the Türkiye–Albania High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC),” signed during Prime Minister Edi Rama’s official visit to Türkiye on 6–7 January 2021. Until today, two meetings in the framework of the HLCC have been held. The two countries maintain excellent relations and continue to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of fields.

The close historical and cultural ties between the Turkish and Albanian peoples constitute one of the strongest foundations of bilateral relations. Türkiye regards Albania as a strategically important partner for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the Balkans.

The solidarity demonstrated during times of natural disasters has further strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Following the devastating earthquake in Albania in 2019, Türkiye built 522 housing units through the Housing Development Administration of the Republic of Türkiye (TOKİ). Albania also showed strong solidarity following the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye by sending search and rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

Cooperation in defence and security constitutes an important dimension of bilateral relations. Türkiye has consistently supported the modernization and capacity-building efforts of the Albanian Armed Forces through training, logistics and technical assistance. The two countries also cooperate closely within international peacekeeping and security missions.

Economic and commercial relations between Türkiye and Albania have developed steadily in recent years. Türkiye is among Albania’s leading trade partners and foreign investors. The bilateral trade volume in 2025 reached around 1 billion Dollars. With a total amount of 1,6 billion Dollars, Türkiye is the 5th largest investor in Albania.

Among the important symbols of cooperation between Türkiye and Albania is the Namazgah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Balkans, inaugurated during the visit of H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Albania on 10 October 2024.

Another major project reflecting the solidarity between the two countries is the Türkiye–Albania Fier Friendship Hospital, which contributes significantly to Albania’s healthcare infrastructure. The hospital, built in just 68 days during the Covid-19 pandemic, was opened on 21 April 2021 and donated to Albania. Today, the hospital serves the public with 6 operating rooms, 16 outpatient clinics, a 20-bed intensive care unit, and a total capacity of 114 beds.

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has implemented numerous development projects throughout Albania in the fields of education, healthcare, agriculture and institutional capacity-building. TİKA also plays an important role in the restoration of Ottoman-era heritage sites, contributing both to Albania’s socio-economic development and the preservation of the shared cultural heritage of the two countries.

The Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Centers in Tirana and Shkodër play an important role in promoting Turkish language and culture through language courses, academic cooperation, exhibitions, concerts, conferences and various cultural activities.