LONDON

The European Union and Albania on Wednesday signed a partnership agreement on security and defense, expanding the cooperation between the bloc and the Balkan country in fighting security threats.

The security and defense partnership was signed in Brussels by the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Albania's Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, and Defense Minister Pirro Vengu.

EU's Kallas and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the agreement at a joint news conference held after the ceremony.

"This agreement shows that we will do more together. It clearly shows investment to our common security. It shows that Albania will be around all these important tables where we discuss the security and defense of Europe," said the EU foreign policy chief.

Kallas noted that the deal also allows both the bloc and Albania to expand their cooperation in fighting hybrid threats, misinformation, and tackling terrorism.

She also praised Albania for making "significant progress" in the EU accession process.

For his part, Rama said this agreement is important as it is a "further sign that our bonds are inseparable."

"I want to express my gratitude for the European Union and also for whomever, on behalf of the European Union, is working to push forward this agenda of full reunification of Europe," he added.

On X, Hasani said that this strategic partnership will further enhance security and defense capabilities, contributing to a safer and more resilient Europe.

Albania filed its official application for EU membership in 2009.

Following the commission's positive opinion in October 2012, the EU Council decided to grant the country "candidate status" in June 2014, with accession talks officially beginning about eight years later in July 2022.