Albania to open embassy in Sarajevo as ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina deepen

 New Albanian Embassy in Bosnia’s capital aims to strengthen bilateral relations, veteran diplomat Anita Shaqiri expected to serve as 1st ambassador

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (MNTV) — The Republic of Albania has officially decided to open an embassy in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic relations between the two Balkan nations.

According to official sources, the search for a suitable location for the new embassy is currently underway. The move follows a formal decision by the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which at the end of last year approved Albania’s request to establish its diplomatic mission in the country.

Albania is expected to appoint Anita Shaqiri as its first ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Shaqiri, a seasoned diplomat, currently serves as an advisor at Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. 

Her extensive experience in European diplomacy is seen as a strong asset for fostering closer cooperation between the two countries.

In a sign of growing engagement, Shaqiri recently visited the headquarters of the Albanian Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

During the visit, both sides exchanged information about the history and activities of the Albanian community in the country and pledged to collaborate closely in the period leading up to the embassy’s formal opening.

“We introduced ourselves and briefly informed each other about the history and activities of our community over time, and expressed our readiness for the support that will be needed until the definitive opening of the Embassy in Sarajevo,” the Albanian Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina said in a statement.

The new diplomatic presence is expected to boost political, cultural, and economic cooperation between Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as both countries continue to deepen their integration within European institutions and regional frameworks.