ISTANBUL 

Albania's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has issued a note verbale to UK Ambassador Alastair King-Smith over "discriminatory language" against Albanians by the British immigration minister.

The ministry in a statement on Monday expressed its concern about the latest statement by Robert Jenrick, noting that "this repeated rhetoric undermines the positive spirit of bilateral cooperation" between the two nations.

It added: "The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (of Albania) requests the avoidance of this language of hatred and discrimination and the continuation of dialogue and constructive cooperation to implement the commitments undertaken together as two democratic countries, partners and allies in international organizations."

On Friday, Jenrick tweeted: "We are working around the clock to remove illegal Albanian migrants and foreign national offenders."

"Yesterday I visited an immigration removal centre to witness our weekly removal flights to Albania and thank staff for their crucial work to enforce our borders and keep us safe," he added.

In a video attached to the tweet, he said some Albanian migrants who have crossed the Channel are "gaming the system," while "others are dangerous criminals."