The Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Romania, Enkeleda Merkuri, discussed on Monday with representatives of the administration of the county and municipality of Constanta about cooperation opportunities in various fields of activity, while highlighting the contribution of the Albanian community to the economic and cultural life of Constanta.

According to the Constanta City Hall, the meeting with the Albanian official, at the Administrative Palace, was attended by representatives of the City Hall, the County Council, and the Prefecture, and 'the discussions aimed at strengthening relations between Romania and Albania at the local and regional level, as well as identifying new opportunities for cooperation in areas of common interest.'

The participants highlighted the historical relations and traditional friendship between the two states, as well as the contribution of the Albanian community to the economic and cultural life of the municipality of Constanta.

'An important topic of the meeting was the development of cooperation between the municipality of Constanta and the city of Durres, the main port of Albania. The parties expressed their willingness to resume the dialogue regarding the establishment of a formal framework for collaboration, which would allow the implementation of joint projects and exchanges of good practices, especially in the port, economic, educational and tourist fields,' the press release sent by the municipality states.

The discussions also addressed Albania's development prospects, including the process of accession to the European Union.

'The representatives of the local and county administration expressed their openness to sharing the experience accumulated by Romania in its European journey and in implementing European policies and standards,' the local administration also informed.

At the same time, opportunities for economic cooperation in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, green energy, transport and port activities were highlighted, as well as the potential for capitalizing on the links between the ports of Constanta and Durres.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Romania (resident) and the Republic of Moldova (non-resident), Enkeleda Merkuri, is participating, between June 29 and 30, in an extended program of institutional visits to the municipality and county of Constanta, with the participation of representatives of the local and central public administration, the academic, economic and religious environment.

On Monday, in addition to the meeting with local administration representatives, the program includes visits to the Muftiate of the Muslim Cult in Romania, to the Port of Constanta and to the Romtextil company.

On Tuesday, the Albanian diplomat will visit Ovidius University in Constanta.

'This program aims to strengthen institutional dialogue and identify collaboration opportunities for the economic, social and cultural development of the Dobrogea region,' a statement from the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Romania said.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nona Jalba, editing by: George Onea; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)