3 June 2008 | The Foreign Ministries of Albania and Croatia will begin negotiations for a liberalisation of the visa regime between the two countries on June 20, Albanian media reported today.

According to the Koha Jone newspaper, the announcement was made during his official visit to Albania by Croatia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Gordan Jandroković, who also said that even though the relations between the two countries are good, Croatia will have to take into account the EU’s regulations regarding the issue.

Albanian President Bamir Topi asked that Croatia liberalise its visa regime for Albanian citizens, arguing that this would contribute to the free movement of people and goods and an intensification of the economic ties between the two countries.

Topi also highlighted the need for the establishment of a direct connection by air between Tirana and Zagreb.

As BalkanTravellers.com reported at the beginning of May, Croatia’s liberalisation of its visa regime towards Albania may also help along the country’s on-going negotiations with the EU on the same issue. Before such aspirations become a reality, however, Albania will have to fulfil certain conditions, such as document security and progress in the fight against illegal migration and organised crime.