Although difficult issues, such as finding a solution to the demarcation of maritime zones or issues relating to the Greek Minority of southern Albania, dominate Greek-Albanian relations, a positive momentum is being made in Tirana.
On June 18, the Parku Helen (Greek Park) was inaugurated in the area of Farka Lake on the outskirts of the Albanian capital of Tirana.
It is an impressive and elegant recreation area, covering an area of six acres, in which there is the possibility of sports and cultural events.
The project was assisted by large Greek companies operating in Albania, while the project was implemented by the Greek Embassy and the municipality of Tirana.
The park was inaugurated by the mayors of Tirana and Athens, Erion Veliaj and Kostas Bakoyannis, respectively, as well as the Greek ambassador to Albania, Sophia Philippidou.
According to Veliaj, what connects the two countries "is not just the Mediterranean spirit and history, but also our relations."
"Greece is one of those friendly countries that has supported us unconditionally, throughout our path towards European integration," he said, adding: "We take this remarkable gesture for the creation of the park as a sign of gratitude."
The construction of the park coincides with three milestone dates: Two for Greece and one for bilateral relations.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Athens-Tirana diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of Greece's entry into the European Union.
For Tirana, the European entry is important, as the country looks forward to the start of its accession negotiations with the EU.
In this effort, Greece is a supporter, in the context of its firm policy for the European integration of the Western Balkans.
Sources noted to To Vima that the three-day events in Albania brought the two countries closer together.
In addition, on Sunday, the first "TiranaAthlon" was held.
The event included swimming, cycling and running, and took place in the "Greek Park."
The aim of the Greek side is to establish a "TiranaAthlon" institution and to impress the people together with the new park.
The three-day event in Tirana ended on Sunday night with a Greek night in the Albanian capital.
It is recalled that last Tuesday Greece donated 20,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to the neighboring country.
READ MORE: Rama thanks Mitsotakis for arrival of COVID-19 vaccinations to Albania.
