50th anniversary of diplomatic relations Switzerland - Albania

Logo of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania
Logo of the 50th anniversary campaign. © FDFA

The year 2020 marked 50 years since Switzerland and Albania established official diplomatic relations. This half a century of bilateral relations has seen progressive growth and increased exchanges between the two countries. 

To celebrate this 50th anniversary the Embassy of Switzerland carried out a series of activities in cooperation with Albanian institutions including the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the media.

Due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic a few activites had to be cancelled while measures were observed for the activities that took place.  

 

Conference: 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations Switzerland-Albania

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis sent a video greeting to the conference celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis sent a video greeting to the conference celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania. © FDFA

A highlight of the 50th anniversary of Swiss-Albanian relations was the conference and exhibition hosted at Albania's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on September 29th, 2020. For the first time the story of how relations between Switzerland and Albania were established was told publicly. Four researchers - both Swiss and Albanian - presented findings on the genesis and evolution of relations Switzerland-Albania. An exhibition showcased key moments, people and documents from the archives of both countries. 

A special video greeting by Ignazio Cassis

On the occassion of the main event celebrating the 50th anniversary, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis sent a video greeting. 

©FDFA

Full event

The event that took place on 29 September 2020 was recorded and streamed live in Facebook. You can see the full event here. 

©FDFA

Photo gallery: the conference

A selection of photos from the key event on celebrating 50 years of Swiss-Albanian official relations, held at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Tirana, 29.09.2020.

Branding of the 50th anniversary

Find out the concept behind the 50th anniversary logo

Visit by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis

Find out more about the visit of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Albania

Exhibition

Experience the exhibition on 50 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania

Decentralisation: 20 years of Swiss-Albanian cooperation

More about Swiss-Albanian cooperation in decentralisation

Documentary and media coverage

See here the documentary produced by Klan TV, an interview with Swiss Ambassador Adrian Maître and print media special editions