The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday to discuss the joint efforts of both countries in tackling illegal migration and protecting their
citizens' security. The leaders expressed their interest in broadening and deepening the UK-Albania relationship, cooperating on global and regional threats, and strengthening their bilateral partnership.
The meeting also included a commitment to deepen work under the Joint Communique and Taskforce, which was agreed to in December. The leaders agreed to prioritize joint efforts in tackling illegal migration and criminal people-smuggling gangs, welcoming the progress made to date, with around 800 illegal migrants returning to Albania since December.
The UK government already has return agreements with several countries, including India, Pakistan, Serbia, and Nigeria, and an agreement with Albania allowing the UK to return hundreds of people.
A joint UK-Albanian team will assess Albania's prison capacity, with a view to returning all eligible Albanian nationals in the UK prison system. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together as NATO allies, members of the UN Security Council, and close partners to protect the security of their citizens, defend democracy, and promote human rights. They also stressed the importance of a robust international response to aggression by Russia.
In conclusion, the meeting between the UK Prime Minister and the Albanian Prime Minister highlights the importance of working together to tackle global and regional threats, strengthen partnerships, and protect citizens' security. The joint efforts of both countries in tackling illegal migration and criminal people-smuggling gangs are commendable and show the potential for further cooperation. The assessment of Albania's prison capacity demonstrates a commitment to returning eligible Albanian nationals and addressing issues within the UK prison system. The reaffirmed commitment to working together as NATO allies, members of the UN Security Council, and close partners underscores the shared values of both countries in promoting democracy and human rights. Photo by U.S. Department of State from United States, Wikimedia commons.