Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela received a courtesy visit from Gent Cakaj, the Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania.
Minister Abela outlined the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.
Mr Cakaj mentioned the tremendous potential in economic exchanges between the two countries, and that he looks forward to further bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, tourism, education and culture.
The two Ministers discussed further issues of mutual interest, including the COVID-19 pandemic and any challenges therein, especially in the tourism sector.
Minister Abela explained that part of his work, together with the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER), is keeping workers in employment.
Minister Abela reiterated that the government’s four mini budgets, which served as a boost to the country’s economy, helped in supporting businesses and saving thousands of jobs.
Minister Carmelo Abela, who is also responsible for sustainable development, said that his Ministry, together with the Sustainable Development Directorate, is working to fulfil Malta’s obligations towards the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The Ministers agreed on the need to enforce further bilateral cooperation in the field of sustainable development, such as by implementing joint projects which would be beneficial to the two countries.
Minister Abela mentioned that the government has worked hard to make the National Budget for 2021 SD-proof. Minister Abela reiterated that the budget proposals will be assessed from a sustainable development perspective, aiming to fulfil sustainability characteristics.
Minister Cakaj looks forward to working together with Malta in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, whilst working on the strategy to prioritise the environment, social policies and economy.
