TIRANA, Feb 15 (AFP) - NATO member Turkey will support Albania's bid to join the North Atlantic Allliance, visiting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said here on Tuesday.
"Turkey will be the advocate for this candidacy, because we are firmly determined to help and support Albania's efforts to join NATO structures," Erdogan told reporters after the talks with his Albanian counterpart Fatos Nano.
Such a move "is a strategic interest for the whole region and could play an important role for the stability in the Balkans," said Erdogan.
"Albania has a key position in the Balkans and with its wise and well-balanced policy, it gives support for the stability and peace in the region," Erdogan estimated.
During his two-day visit to Albania, Erdogan was expected also to meet President Alfred Moisiu and parliament Speaker Servet Pellumbi.
Representatives of the two countries were also expected to sign an accord on maritime and air transport, as well as to discuss possibilities for economic cooperation and Turkish investment in Albania.
The Albanian government has said it wants to join NATO by 2005.
02/15/2005 20:11 GMT - AFP