President of the Republic Ilir Meta received on Tuesday the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Albania and Kosovo, Per Strand Sjaastad. During the meeting, President Meta praised the excellent political relations between the two countries and expressed gratitude for the technical support and financial assistance Norway has given Albania over the years. Specifically, Meta praised the role and contribution of well-known Norwegian companies such as Statoil and Statkraft in the field of energy in Albania.
The head of state underlined the need for closer cooperation for better exploitation of the great hydro and maritime resources of the two countries. Referring to the cooperation in the field of tourism, he welcomed the decision to launch the direct flights between Oslo and Tirana in the summer season and expressed his belief that this would have a significant impact on the increase of tourist exchanges between Albania and Norway.
Moreover, Meta praised in particular the political and financial support Norway has provided for international recognition and development of Kosovo as well as for engaging and contributing to the stability of the Western Balkans region.