The year 2020 marked 50 years since Switzerland and Albania established official diplomatic relations. This half a century of bilateral relations has seen progressive growth and increased exchanges between the two countries. 

To celebrate this 50th anniversary the Embassy of Switzerland carried out a series of activities in cooperation with Albanian institutions including the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the media.

Due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic a few activites had to be cancelled while measures were observed for the activities that took place.  

Conference: 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations Switzerland-Albania

A highlight of the 50th anniversary of Swiss-Albanian relations was the conference and exhibition hosted at Albania's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on September 29th, 2020. For the first time the story of how relations between Switzerland and Albania were established was told publicly. Four researchers - both Swiss and Albanian - presented findings on the genesis and evolution of relations Switzerland-Albania. An exhibition showcased key moments, people and documents from the archives of both countries. 

A special video greeting by Ignazio Cassis

On the occassion of the main event celebrating the 50th anniversary, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis sent a video greeting. 

Full event

The event that took place on 29 September 2020 was recorded and streamed live in Facebook. You can see the full event here. 

Research and proceedings

Swiss and Albanian researchers presented findings from historical, diplomatic and media archives from the two countries. You can view and download from the links below. 

Full publication (PDF, 77 Pages, 2.7 MB)

Swiss perspective: research by Dr. Franziska Zaugg (PDF, 22 Pages, 1.9 MB)

Albanian perspective: research by Associate Professsor Dr. Pranvera Teli (Dibra), Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (PDF, 14 Pages, 639.1 kB)

Albanian perspective: research by Proffesor Dr. Nevila Nika, former Director of Central State Archives (PDF, 10 Pages, 608.0 kB)

Albanian perspective: research and interviews by Armand Plaka (PDF, 36 Pages, 1.3 MB)

Photo gallery: the conference

A selection of photos from the key event on celebrating 50 years of Swiss-Albanian official relations, held at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Tirana, 29.09.2020.