Albanian PM urges Türkiye to boost economic ties beyond political rhetoric
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on Türkiye to strengthen its economic engagement in the Balkans, saying that its political influence in the region outpaces its economic footprint.
In an exclusive interview with Türkiye Today, Rama praised his personal relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but stressed that Ankara must move beyond relying on Erdogan’s popularity to anchor its Balkan strategy with substantial investments and flagship projects.
Rama highlighted the gap between political goodwill and trade, noting that the combined value of Türkiye’s top football clubs may exceed bilateral trade with Albania. “The biggest product Türkiye has exported to the region is President Erdogan and his popularity. It is not enough,” he said.
He dismissed claims of Turkish “neo-Ottoman” ambitions, pointing to delays in a minor mosque restoration project in Albania as evidence that such narratives are overblown. Rama also countered accusations by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic regarding alleged Albanian-Kosovar military alliances, describing them as “nightmares” fueled by Serbia’s fixation on Kosovo.
Rama reaffirmed Albania’s firm support for Kosovo, warning that any existential threat to the country would directly endanger Albania.
Despite tensions with Belgrade, he emphasized dialogue is possible: “President Vucic is someone with whom one can talk and build together based on common objectives,” Rama said.
Türkiye’s exports to the Balkans reached approximately $25.3 billion in 2025, with around $820 million to Albania, while bilateral trade exceeds $1 billion and Turkish investments in Albania total about $3.5 billion.
