Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül visited Tirana in February 2007 for bilateral talks with Albanian counterpart Besnik Mustafaj, covering a broad range of cooperative issues between the two nations.
The two ministers discussed ways to deepen political and economic relations, including boosting business contacts and expanding cooperation in defense, energy, education, culture, tourism, and transportation. Easing visa restrictions and broadening the legal framework governing bilateral ties were also on the agenda.
Kosovo's future featured prominently in the discussions. Both officials agreed that the territory's final status should reflect the wishes of its own population, and they expressed support for UN mediator Martti Ahtisaari's mission. The ministers also called for any resolution to protect the rights and freedoms of all minority communities there.
Reports indicated that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was expected to make an official visit to Albania in the coming period.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in February 2007, in its own words.