On Saturday, May 25, 2025, Albania ceremoniously reopened its embassy in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, after almost a decade of diplomatic absence.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking representatives of both countries and was described by RTSH, Albania’s public broadcaster, as a “significant signal for bilateral relations.”

Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, who was present at the opening, spoke of a historic moment that went far beyond symbolic significance. In her speech, she emphasized the “deep ties” between the two peoples and the “shared European perspectives” that unite Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the RTSH report, Hasani stressed that the diplomatic return should strengthen not only political but also economic, cultural, and social relations between the two countries.

The Bosnian-Herzegovinian side also welcomed the move. According to RTSH, representatives of the government in Sarajevo expressly welcomed the reopening and expressed the hope that the Albanian presence on the ground would intensify cooperation in areas such as tourism, trade, and education in the future. Stronger regional networking is more important than ever, especially in times of geopolitical tensions.

The Albanian embassy in Sarajevo was closed just under ten years ago. At the time, financial and administrative reasons were cited as the main factors behind the decision. According to RTSH, the decision to reopen is part of a broader foreign policy strategy by the government in Tirana. The aim is to visibly expand Albania’s diplomatic presence in the Western Balkans and deepen existing partnerships.

The diplomatic return to the Bosnian capital is now seen as a strong sign of Albania’s role as an active and stabilizing player in the region. Observers expect that the new embassy will not only revitalize bilateral exchanges but also give new impetus to cross-border projects and regional initiatives.