UAE and Albania leaders discuss trade and renewable energy cooperation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Albanian President Bajram Begaj met in Abu Dhabi to discuss strengthening bilateral relations across several strategic sectors. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and food security.

Economic ties between the two nations have shown significant growth. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Albania increased by 129.4 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. The UAE has also become Albania’s leading trading partner among GCC countries.

In the energy sector, the UAE-based company Masdar and Albania’s state power corporation KESH have agreed to explore a joint venture for large-scale renewable projects, including solar photovoltaics. The leaders also addressed international issues, including sustainability and the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference in the UAE.

During the visit, President Begaj awarded Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed the Grand Star of the Supreme Order of the Eagle, Albania’s highest state decoration, in recognition of his role in advancing bilateral relations.