Turkey has been one of Albania’s earliest partners in development cooperation, engaging since 1991. Since 1996, this cooperation has been institutionalized through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), which has played a significant role in supporting projects with social and economic impact across the country.
Turkey’s assistance has been provided primarily in the form of grants, covering a wide range of areas from education and healthcare to rural development, support in response to natural disasters, and institutional strengthening. A distinctive element of this cooperation has been its contribution to the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage, helping to promote Albania’s historical identity and cultural tourism.
In 2024, the bilateral partnership took on a new dimension with the Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation, which reaffirmed TİKA’s role as the principal channel of Turkish assistance in Albania. This agreement consolidates the long-term partnership and lays the groundwork for new projects that support sustainable development and Albania’s alignment with European standards.