100th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Albania and Russia: “Ambassador A. Zaytsev Talks About the Future, Economic Cooperation, and Peace in the Context of Global Developments”
Marjana Doda
Editor-in-Chief
“This interview is taking place in the context of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Albania and Russia.”
In an exclusive interview for Argumentum.al, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Albania, who recently presented his credentials to the President of Albania, speaks about the history of diplomatic relations over these 100 years between Albania and the former Soviet Union in the past, and between Albania and Russia after 1990.
Additionally, in the context of global geopolitical circumstances, and specifically regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has now entered its third year, the Ambassador discusses the factors that led to this conflict and the possibilities for a peaceful resolution.
Over the course of a century, relations between Russia and Albania have gone through periods of rise and fall, enduring difficult moments, but also phases of close cooperation, especially after the end of World War II.
As the Ambassador highlights, official relations between the two countries began in 1924, with an initiative from the Albanian government seeking support from the Soviet Union, after which the first Soviet diplomatic representative arrived in Tirana. Despite several internal political challenges and the interference of Western powers, relations were renewed in 1934 and continued until they were severed during World War II.
“Russian-Albanian relations have experienced periods of fluctuation, with close cooperation and Soviet assistance being most prominent in the mid-20th century, while today they are at a minimal level, due to Albania’s orientation towards Western politics,” says the Ambassador.
When asked about the potential impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on security and stability in the region and globally, as well as the close relations between Russia and Serbia, which are seen as an obstacle to peace between Serbia and Kosovo, Mr. Zaytsev emphasizes that the threat of the Ukrainian crisis affecting global security is not just a potential one, but a very real one. Regarding security and stability issues in the region, he responds as follows:
“We often hear ‘experts’ and ‘political observers’ unfairly accuse Russia of allegedly trying to open a ‘second front’ in the Balkans to destabilize the situation here and divert NATO countries’ attention from the Ukrainian conflict. This is not true. Russia has always supported the preservation of peace in the region. The lack of progress in normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina is not due to Russia’s destructive role, but rather the historical and ethnoreligious peculiarities of the Kosovo issue, as well as the policies of the U.S. and EU, which for many years have tried to monopolize the solution and push it beyond the sole legitimate basis – UN Security Council Resolution 1244 – forcing Serbia to recognize the independence of Kosovo and sever the fraternal historical ties between the Russian and Serbian peoples. Unfortunately, European leaders forget that imposed solutions, regardless of the fundamental interests of the people living in the region, are short-lived.”
Regarding peace talks and diplomatic negotiations, and why they failed before the start of the war and why they continue to fail now in finding a final solution to this conflict, the Ambassador provides a chronological explanation of all the attempts and engagements for talks and peaceful resolutions of the crisis. He emphasizes that Russia is open to negotiations and any serious proposal that genuinely aims for peace, but not ultimatums like “Zelensky’s Formula” or similar initiatives.
“Russia has repeatedly proposed, and this is well known, to seek a solution to the problems in Ukraine through peaceful means. A realistic plan for the restoration of peace and Ukraine’s territorial integrity was outlined in the ‘Complex of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements’ signed in February 2015, none of which, by the way, were implemented by the Ukrainian side. At the end of 2021, Kyiv openly declared its refusal to implement the Minsk Agreements and began to implement a scenario of ‘retaking’ Donbas by force. Russian diplomacy did not hesitate. In December 2021, NATO and the U.S. were invited to sign two agreements with Russia for legal security guarantees that would open the way for lasting peace on our continent. However, as you know, Moscow’s proposals were rejected.
Furthermore, in October 2022, the President of Ukraine signed a decree forbidding him from engaging in any negotiations with Russia. This decree is still in effect. In short, it is the regime in Kyiv and its Western sponsors who have no interest in a political and diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Unlike Ukraine, Russia is open to negotiations and any serious proposal that genuinely aims for peace. However, these must be negotiations, not ultimatums like ‘Zelensky’s Formula’ or similar initiatives.”
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Albania’s liberation from Nazi-fascist occupation during World War II, the Russian Ambassador to Tirana praised Albania’s contribution to this important war. He emphasized that on November 29 this year, Albania will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi forces, an event that marks a significant moment in the country’s history. The Ambassador proudly noted that the Albanian people achieved liberation with their own forces, paying a heavy price – with 28,000 Albanian patriots losing their lives for the freedom of the country. This heroic act will never be forgotten, he stated.
In this interview, while reviewing the relations between the two countries, focusing not only on the historical aspects of the past but also on the possibilities and prospects for the future, the Ambassador expresses an optimistic stance regarding the potential developments in bilateral relations, stressing the importance of always looking toward the future with hope.
He notes that there are many reasons for this optimism, mentioning that the peoples of the two countries are deeply connected by a respect for history and the memory of their ancestors, and have lived and coexisted in peace for many centuries, including Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim communities. The Ambassador also highlights the Albanian love for Russian culture and arts.
On the other hand, the Ambassador also emphasizes the possibilities for economic cooperation, mentioning Russia’s expertise in high technology, digitalization, the medical industry, IT, and alternative energy sources. “Russia is ready to renew economic cooperation with Albania whenever the political realities allow for this,” he stresses, among other points in this interview.
Read the full interview at Argumentum.al
© 2024 Argumentum
