Israel-Albania aviation deal signed as tourism surges

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar signed an aviation agreement with Albania on Sunday in the capital Tirana, opening the way for direct flights between the two countries. The signing took place during Sa'ar's diplomatic visit to the Balkan state, coordinated with Transportation Minister Miri Regev.

Sa'ar and Albania's Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, signed the accord after a long dialogue between Israel's Transportation Ministry and the Albanian government. The agreement is expected to increase connectivity between the two countries and encourage mutual tourism.

Israeli tourism to Albania has surged in the past three years, jumping from around 7,000 visitors to approximately 100,000 a year. The new aviation agreement is designed to allow a significant expansion of flight options between the countries and meet the growing demand.

Alongside the aviation accord, the two governments signed a broader cooperation agreement that will allow Albania to contract directly with Israeli companies, opening business opportunities across multiple sectors.

The agreements were signed against the backdrop of strengthening ties between Israel and Albania in recent years. Albania, a majority-Muslim country, maintains warm relations with Israel and is considered a friend of the Jewish state in the Balkan region.

Sa'ar's visit to Albania includes meetings with other senior officials, aimed at continuing to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.