In frames of the IX UNESCO Regional Summit of Heads of States in South-East Europe, this year hosted by Serbia, President Ivanov had a bilateral meeting with his Albanian colleague Bamir Topi. The leading conclusion of both presidents was that the two countries cultivate excellent relations, based on mutual support and constructiveness. 

President of Republic of Albania topi expressed strong support for Macedonias NATO membership, as well as readiness for cooperation in the EU-integration processes, which is shared goal of the two neighboring countries.

Presidents Ivanov and Topi reaffirmed the conclusion from the Ohrid Summit held in July this year, in which Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo participated, that is to continue encouraging the governments of the two countries to maximize the efforts for realization of joint projects in the areas of infrastructure, energy and eco-systems.

Regarding the forthcoming census, which this fall will be conducted in Albania, President Topi highlighted that his country guarantees the rights of every individual to freely express own will and ethnic belonging, pointing that there is no basis for concerns and that he personally would not allow for any form of pressure.

Albanian President accepted the offer for returning official visit to Macedonia this spring. President Gjorge Ivanov paid official visit to Tirana in March this year.