Prime Minister Edi Rama publicly rejected Tuesday Russia's offer to make an agreement to buy the Russian "Sputnik V" vaccine, to prevent the spread of Covid-19. 

In a press conference, Rama called the offer made by the Russian Embassy in Tirana, as a ridiculous provocation. Rama said that Albania is in talks with the three most famous companies for the vaccine, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna, companies with which, according to the Prime Minister, European countries are also linked.

"I thought it was a meme. I thought it was a meme because for a serious state it is inappropriate to make such provocations. When I say provocation it is not preceded by any demarche against the Russian state, but this is a ridiculous provocation and it is not good for a serious country like Russia to make these provocations. The Embassy in Tirana can not behave as if it is a section of 'Portokalli' comedy show or a competitor of it.

I see no reason for the Russian Embassy to be involved in terms of memes. We are focused on Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Modern vaccines. We are in communication with these companies and European countries are linked with these companies. We have no reason to prejudge the Chinese or Russian vaccine, but at the moment we are focused on these directions. 

If the need arises or we see it as reasonable, no doubt we will look at other alternatives. The post of the Russian Embassy on my part is seen as inappropriate," Rama stressed.

On Monday, the Russian Embassy in Tirana made a public offer to Rama's Media Director, Endri Fuga, saying that Russia was ready to negotiate for its "Sputnik V" vaccine with Albania.