During the meeting following the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Urb and President Begaj affirmed the good relations between Estonia and Albania, as reflected in the growing number of high-level visits in recent years. They also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and Albania’s EU accession process.
“Estonia is an unwavering supporter of European Union enlargement and firmly supports Albania on its path towards membership. I commended Albania for the considerable work it has already done and the progress achieved in the EU accession negotiations. The full implementation of reforms is essential for further progress,” said Urb.
The meeting also covered European security, close cooperation within NATO and support for Ukraine. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Estonia and Albania in areas including the digital and cyber fields, trade, culture and business. Growing tourism and a seasonal direct flight connection between Tallinn and Tirana are also helping to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Estonia and Albania established diplomatic relations on 17 January 1992, and in 2027 the countries will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Estonia’s embassy accredited to Albania is based in Athens.
Piret Urb has extensive diplomatic experience, having worked in Estonia’s foreign service for more than 20 years. She has represented Estonia on the UN Human Rights Council and led the Freedom Online Coalition during Estonia’s first chairmanship in 2013–2014, which culminated in the adoption of the Tallinn Agenda. For five years, Piret Urb served as Head of International Relations at the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA), which manages the core infrastructure of Estonia’s digital state and is responsible for the country’s cyber security. As Special Envoy for Connectivity in 2023–2024, she was responsible, among other things, for the substantive preparations for the high-level international Tallinn Digital Summit hosted by the Prime Minister. In 2025, Piret Urb worked in Geneva, coordinating the work of the Central and Eastern European Group at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Ambassador Piret Urb has undertaken further studies and professional training in the United States and France.
Photo: Photo: Office of the President of Albania
