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“Faith-based diplomacy continues to unite leaders around shared biblical values. We are proud to welcome Albania into our global network at a moment when standing with Israel is more important than ever.”
By United with Israel Staff
The Israel Allies Foundation launched the Albanian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus at the Parliament of Albania in Tirana on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking Albania as the 64th nation to join the global network of pro-Israel parliamentary groups.
The caucus will work alongside more than 60 similar organizations worldwide, promoting faith-based diplomacy and strengthening international support for the State of Israel.
Chaired jointly by Romina Kuko of the Socialist Party and Gazment Bardhi of the Democratic Party, the new caucus represents a rare cross-party initiative and highlights Albania’s historic commitment to the Jewish people and Israel.
“It is a great honor to be part of this moment, marking another chapter in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Albania and Israel,” said Kuko. “The fact that this group includes representatives from both the majority and the opposition carries strong symbolic meaning, reflecting our shared national commitment and the excellent relations between our two peoples.”
Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation, noted that the new caucus builds on Albania’s longstanding moral tradition of protecting and honoring the Jewish people. “Faith-based diplomacy continues to unite leaders around shared biblical values. We are proud to welcome Albania into our global network at a moment when standing with Israel is more important than ever,” he said.
The launch of the caucus comes amid a series of deepening ties between the two nations. Earlier this year, in March, Israeli Health Minister Uriel Busso and Albanian Health Minister Albana Koçiu signed a memorandum of understanding to advance cooperation in health and medicine. “I welcome the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Albania, a Muslim-majority country that continues to strengthen its deep and historic ties with the State of Israel,” Busso said at the time.
Relations between Israel and Albania were further strengthened in August 2024 during a visit to Tirana by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Prime Minister Edi Rama informed Herzog that Albania would open a commercial liaison office in Jerusalem, a move Herzog called “a significant upgrade in the strong relationship between the two nations and represents a symbol of the deep friendship between the two peoples.”
Herzog’s trip marked the first official visit by an Israeli head of state to the predominantly Muslim Balkan nation.
During the visit, Herzog warned of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism, linking regional violence to Iran’s “cruel, antisemitic fixation with the destruction of the State of Israel.”
Rama also took the opportunity to urge the urgent release of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. “I want to send a very brotherly message to all the parents of the hostages on one hand, expressing the most heartfelt condolences to those who lost their children or loved ones in this horrendous moment, and on the other hand, to wish for the others to embrace their loved ones as soon as possible,” Rama said.
The launch of the Albania Israel Allies Caucus reflects a growing trend of global support for Israel, highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties while promoting shared values.
With cross-party leadership and a historic foundation of friendship, Albania now joins a worldwide coalition that seeks to advance Israel’s interests on the international stage.
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