Relations between Switzerland and Albania are multifaceted. Albania is a priority country for Swiss development cooperation. Switzerland supports Albania in stabilising the Western Balkans and deepening European integration.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Albania
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and Albania have maintained diplomatic relations since 1970. Since 1992, they have focused mainly on development cooperation, strengthening economic cooperation, and working together in migration and consular matters.
Since April 2011, the regional consular centre in Pristina, Kosovo, has been providing services for Swiss citizens living in Albania.
Economic cooperation
Trade is limited but has been steadily increasing over the last two decades. Some large Swiss enterprises are represented in Albania, and an increasing number of SMEs have entered the Albanian market. About 30 Swiss companies are currently active in Albania.
The Swiss embassy regularly organises meetings between entrepreneurs with a connection to Switzerland.
Cooperation on education, research and innovation
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Albania can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) funds research cooperation programmes, thereby supporting scientific research as well as cooperation within the region of the Western Balkans.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists
Development cooperation
The priorities of the Albanian government influence Swiss development cooperation in the country. The aim is to support Albania in reform projects and on the path towards European integration. Switzerland has supported Albania's democratic transition since 1992.The Swiss Cooperation Programme for Albania 2022–25, run by the SDC and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), provides for a budget of CHF 105 million. It is currently focused on four areas:
- Democratic governance
- Economic development and employment
- Urban infrastructure and climate change
- Health
Cultural exchanges
Switzerland fosters cultural exchanges and the creation of links between artists and other cultural actors in both countries. The Swiss embassy regularly supports cultural events in music, theatre, literature and film. Several Swiss musicians have performed in concerts around Albania.
Swiss citizens in Albania
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were 75 Swiss citizens living in Albania at the end of 2021.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland and Albania established diplomatic relations in 1970. Switzerland opened an embassy in Tirana in 1992. Since then relations and exchanges have steadily increased.
