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At the beginning of this week, the international seminar of the “In the Path of Olives” initiative opened in the Galilee.

The seminar brings together kindergarten teachers and educators from Greece and Albania, who arrived in Israel for joint professional development in the fields of environmental education, sustainability, and innovative early childhood pedagogy.

The initiative, which began as a local educational program, has grown into a regional model that strengthens cooperation among Mediterranean countries and encourages cross-cultural learning centered on the olive tree and its environmental and cultural significance.

The Ministry for Regional Cooperation will continue to promote educational initiatives that connect communities, foster regional partnerships, and advance high-quality, in-depth education for environmental preservation.

The Ministry for Regional Cooperation is pleased to support this initiative and similar ones that strengthen human connections between us and the countries of the region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar today (Thursday, 23 October 2025) hosted Elisa Spiropali, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.

The two held a one-on-one meeting, followed by an expanded discussion with their teams. Following the meeting, the ministers signed Memoranda of Understandings on cooperation in diplomatic training and public diplomacy. They then held a joint press conference.

During his remarks, FM Sa’ar referred to the publication of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, saying: This is not a ‘Court of Justice’. It’s a kangaroo court – a corrupt, political circus. It has been weaponized by Israel’s enemies. It’s being used to try to force Israel to accept measures that would endanger our security. We will not agree to cooperate with UNRWA – an organization whose employees participated in the October 7th massacre. There is no power on earth that can force this upon Israel. It’s horrific and shameful that a UN agency is infiltrated with terrorists. UNRWA still employs over 1,400 Hamas terrorists! This evil partnership between a UN organization and a terror organization is now being protected by the so-called ‘Court’ of the United Nations. This system is rotten to its core.”

FM Sa’ar also referred to the Trump Plan:

“Israel is committed to working toward the success of President Trump’s Plan. There are difficulties. But we are doing everything we can to work toward its success. Hamas and Islamic Jihad must lay down their arms. Gaza must be demilitarized. It must no longer be allowed to pose a threat to Israel and its citizens. This is at the heart of the Trump Plan. We will not compromise on it. Attacks by Hamas on our forces will not be tolerated. They will be answered forcefully.

Regarding the dead hostages, FM Sa’ar said:

“Hamas must uphold the agreement! We know it can easily return most of the remaining 13 dead hostages. It is slowly trickling their return in order to delay the second phase of laying down its arms. Hamas is barbarically abusing the families who have waited two long years and simply want to lay their sons to rest. We demand the immediate return of all the bodies that Hamas is holding!”

Full Speech:

“foreign minister of Albania Elisa Spiropali,
It’s my honor to welcome you on your first visit to Jerusalem.
Relations between Israel and Albania are warm.
Albania holds a special place in Jewish history.

During the Holocaust – the people of Albania had the moral bravery to save and protect Jews.
They were exceptional in Europe at that time.

It was the only country in Europe – where the number of Jews was greater after the war – than before it.
We will never forget this.

Prime Minister Edi Rama is a true friend of Israel.
He is one of the boldest leaders on the international stage.

Under his leadership, Albania’s foreign policy has a clear moral dimension.

Albania showed true courage by standing up to Iran.

The bold friendship between our nations – including its support for Israel since October 7th – is another expression of Albania’s moral foreign policy.

***

We are determined to deepen and strengthen relations between our countries and nations.

Israeli tourism to Albania has so far increased by over one thousand percent in the past year.

We expect there to be more than 77,000 Israeli tourists in Albania this year.

There are now direct flights and a growing interest of Israelis in visiting Albania.

The economic potential in our relations is huge.

Albania is a beautiful country and a safe destination for Israelis and Jews.

I call on more Israelis – come visit Albania!

תבקרו באלבניה! תבקרו במדינות ידידותיות. אלבניה היא מדינה יפהפייה ובטוחה לישראלים ויהודים.

And I call on Albanians – come visit Israel.

***

Albania is a pillar of stability and friendship in the Balkan region.

Today, we signed two new MOUs: on training young diplomats, and cooperating on public diplomacy.

These agreements are another step in strengthening our friendship.

***

I want to thank Vice President J.D. Vance for his important visit to Israel.

We are grateful to once again host Secretary of State Marco Rubio later today.

These visits express our tight friendship with the US and with the Trump Administration.

We are truly thankful for the strong support of our closest ally.
We spoke about the Trump plan.

Israel is committed to working toward the success of President Trump’s Plan.

There are difficulties. But we are doing everything we can to work toward its success.

Hamas must uphold the agreement!
We know it can easily return most of the remaining 13 dead hostages.

It is slowly trickling their return in order to delay the second phase of laying down its arms.

Hamas is barbarically abusing the families who have waited two long years and simply want to lay their sons to rest.
We demand the immediate return of all the bodies that Hamas is holding!

Hamas and Islamic Jihad must lay down their arms.
Gaza must be demilitarized.
It must no longer be allowed to pose a threat to Israel and its citizens.

This is at the heart of the Trump Plan. We will not compromise on it.

Attacks by Hamas on our forces will not be tolerated.
They will be answered forcefully.

****

We see Hamas’s mass public executions without trial of Palestinians in Gaza.
This is barbaric!

Isn’t it strange that we don’t hear strong voices now – when Palestinians are being mass-murdered by Hamas in broad daylight?

The silence is deafening.

This is the hypocrisy of the international community.

***
Yesterday the so-called “International Court of Justice” released its outrageous “Advisory Opinion” regarding UNRWA.

This is not a “Court of Justice”.

It’s a kangaroo court – a corrupt, political circus.

It has been weaponized by Israel’s enemies.
It’s being used to try to force Israel to accept measures that would endanger our security.

We will not agree to cooperate with UNRWA – an organization whose employees participated in the October 7th massacre.

It’s horrific and shameful that a UN agency is infiltrated with terrorists.
UNRWA still employs over 1,400 Hamas terrorists!

There is no power on earth that can force this upon Israel.

This evil partnership between a UN organization and a terror organization is now being protected by the so-called “Court” of the United Nations.

This system is rotten to its core.

***

Dear Minister,

Albania is a valued friend of Israel.
Your visit marks another milestone in our growing partnership.
Together, we will continue to deepen the friendship between our nations.

Thank you.”

By Pesach Benson • October 23, 2025

Jerusalem, 23 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Thursday sharply criticized the International Court of Justice, calling the The Hague-based tribunal “a corrupt political circus.”

Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem with his Albanian counterpart, Elisa Spiropali, Sa’ar said, “This is not a court – it is a corrupt political circus, which Israel’s enemies are using as a weapon against it. It is being used to force Israel to take steps that will endanger our security.”

On Wednesday, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion that Israel must allow the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza. The court ruled that claims that the UN agency is compromised by Hamas were unfounded and that Israel is obligated to ensure essential supplies, including food, water, fuel, shelter, and medical aid, reach Palestinians in Gaza.

Sa’ar attacked UNRWA, saying that the agency remains compromised.

“We will not agree to cooperate with UNRWA, an organization whose employees participated in the October 7 massacre. It is shocking and shameful that a UN organization is infected with terrorists. UNRWA still employs over 1,400 Hamas terrorists! There is no party in the world that can force this on Israel. This evil partnership is currently protected by the so-called UN ‘court.’ This system is rotten to the core,” Sa’ar insisted.

Israeli officials demand the agency be stripped of its authority in Gaza and defunded amid revelations that members of the agency’s staff participated in Hamas’s October 7 attacks. UNRWA is banned from operating in Israel, and Israeli officials are prohibited from cooperating with the agency. Palestinian refugees are the only refugee population with their own dedicated UN agency. The rest of the world’s refugees fall under the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Sa’ar also reiterated Israel’s commitment to the U.S. peace plan.

“Israel is committed to working for the success of the Trump plan. There are difficulties in implementation, but we are doing and will do everything in our power to work for its success. Hamas and Islamic Jihad must disarm. Gaza must be demilitarized. They must no longer pose a threat to the security of Israel and its citizens. Hamas attacks against our forces will not be accepted – and will be met with powerful responses,” Sa’ar said.

On the issue of hostages, Sa’ar urged immediate action. “Hamas must abide by the agreement. We know that it can easily return most of the 13 remaining hostages. It is deliberately slowing the return to delay reaching the second stage – disarmament. Hamas is barbarically abusing families who have already suffered for more than two years and only want to bring their sons home. We demand the return of all the hostages that Hamas is holding immediately without delay!”

Earlier in the day, Sa’ar and Spiropali held private and extended meetings at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem. The two ministers signed memoranda of understanding on cooperation in diplomatic training and public diplomacy.

Jerusalem, 14 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the EnergyCom energy community, led a first-of-its-kind business delegation of 16 Israeli companies operating in the energy and water sectors on an official visit to Tirana, Albania. The mission’s goal is to promote international cooperation, open new markets for Israeli companies, and strengthen Israel’s position as a leading energy partner in the region.

During the visit, an official bilateral conference was held, led by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Embassy of Israel in Albania, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania, headed by Minister Belinda Baloco. The conference included B2B meetings between energy and water companies from both countries, government representatives, international financial institutions, and industrial institutions, designed to explore opportunities for business and technological collaborations.

The Israeli companies visited Albania’s central hydroelectric power plant, and were exposed to solutions in the field of renewable energy promoted by Albania. The visit raised real potential for cooperation between the countries in the fields of solar energy, wind energy, water management, desalination and wastewater treatment.

In parallel with the business activity, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen, held a series of policy meetings with senior government officials in Albania, including Prime Minister Edi Rama, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Belinda Belloco, Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Belendi Gunga, and other senior officials.

The delegation’s purpose was to advance international cooperation, expand market opportunities for Israeli companies, and reinforce Israel’s position as a regional partner in the energy sector.

During the visit, a bilateral conference was held under the auspices of the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Israeli Embassy in Albania, and Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, led by Minister Belinda Balluku, and the Foreign Investors Association of Albania.

The conference featured B2B meetings between water and energy companies from both countries, government officials, international financial institutions, and manufacturers, all convening to explore opportunities for business and technological collaboration.

Among the participants in the conference were: Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Yariv Gesser; Director of the Foreign Affairs Division, Janet Shalom; Director of Foreign Policy Department, Batzion BenDavid Gerstman; Chairman of the Israel Electric Corporation, Doron Arbely; Acting CEO of Noga, Shiki Fisher; Deputy CEO of Mekorot, Dani Sofer; and Director of the Urban Water and Sewage Operations Division at the Water Authority, Itay Sagi.

As part of the delegation’s program, the companies visited Albania’s main hydroelectric power station, where renewable energy solutions currently being implemented in the country were showcased. The visit revealed tangible potential for collaboration between the two countries in the fields of solar energy, wind energy, water resource management and wastewater treatment.

In addition to the business agenda, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen held a series of high-level diplomatic meetings with senior Albanian officials, including Prime Minister Edi Rama, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, and Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja. The meetings focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, advancing joint projects, and exploring grant programs to support collaboration between Israeli and Albanian energy companies.

(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)

President Isaac Herzog, this evening (Sunday, 6 April 2025), awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor to Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, in recognition of his steadfast support for Israel following the October 7 massacre, his courageous stance against antisemitism, and his enduring friendship with the Jewish people.

Prime Minister Rama, accompanied by his wife Linda Rama, was welcomed at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The leaders held a diplomatic meeting focused on regional developments and the urgent need to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

During the ceremony, President Herzog praised Prime Minister Rama’s moral clarity and leadership: “I am proud to present you with the Presidential Medal of Honor – the highest civilian decoration in Israel. This medal is awarded to individuals who illuminate the world with exceptional leadership, moral clarity, democratic values, and an unbreakable friendship with the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”

He added, “When the time came to turn words into action, you rose to the challenge with courage. In our darkest hour, after the horrific Hamas attack on Israel – the most devastating assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust – you refused to succumb to international pressure. You held fast to your moral compass, and expressed deep friendship and vital support for Israel.”

“Jewish tradition teaches that the world stands on three pillars: justice, truth, and peace. I believe these values – and the balance between them – define your leadership, and the special bond between our nations. May the friendship between Albania and Israel remain a beacon of goodwill in these dark times, reminding us all that integrity and courage are always a choice—and that a safer and more peaceful future is possible.”

In his remarks, Prime Minister Rama said: “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the Albanian people, and first and foremost, on behalf of all Albanians—Muslims and Christians—who put themselves and their lives on the line during the darkest hour of modern history, and turned our country into the only one in Europe that ended the Second World War with more Jews than it started with.”

He added, “We do everything we can to be vocal on antisemitism, we have passed legislation, and promoted Holocaust education in our schools. Because, for us, this is not just about the Jews—it is about humanity.”

Prime Minister Rama stressed, “In this particularly difficult moment, there are innocent people held in the dungeons of Hamas. I want to repeat—Albania has always supported a two-state solution, but it is our view that there is no solution while Hamas is around. Hamas is not a resistance movement. Hamas are the Nazis of the new century, and as history has taught us—there is no compromise with Nazis.”

The ceremony marked a significant reaffirmation of the strong and historic ties between Israel and Albania, based on shared values of justice, remembrance, and mutual respect.

By Pesach Benson • November 2, 2025

Jerusalem, 2 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The Israeli cabinet on Sunday unanimously approved a series of diplomatic appointments proposed by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Among the new envoys are Aviv Ezra as ambassador to Cyprus, Ohad Nakash Kiner to Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina, David Saranga to Belgium and Luxembourg, and Gali Dagan in Peru. Also approved was Nadav Zisblat, who will serve as consul general in Toronto.

The appointments were cleared by the Ministerial Committee for Foreign Service Appointments, chaired by Sa’ar.