ニュース 2011/11/21 Tanaka receives courtesy call from Albanian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs On November 21, DPJ Administration Committee Chair Naoki Tanaka received a courtesy call from Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Edmond Haxhinasto inside the Diet building, and exchanged opinions. The meeting was also attended by International Department Director-General Koichiro Watanabe, and Vice Directors-General Shin-kun Haku and Shino Aihara. Haxhinasto stated, “Japan’s assistance, in particular that provided via ODA and JICA has influenced the development of Albania’s infrastructure and social services.” He added, “I would like to develop partnerships in the areas of economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and tourism, and strengthen the bilateral relationship.” Haxhinasto further expressed the opinion that, “Albania is currently a member of NATO and we are aiming to join the EU in the near future. If this is realized, we will become a hub for access to Europe. We would like to positively encourage private enterprises to come to Albania.” Tanaka said, “I hope you will enjoy a successful visit to Japan. If we can deepen contacts between our two nations, this will develop economic and cultural exchanges. I would like to express my gratitude for the heartfelt assistance we received from the Albanian government at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as considering sending Diet members to visit your country.”