As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares for his brief visit to Tirana, Albania, the significance of this trip cannot be overstated. Scheduled meetings with Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama will take place before a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s office. Among the highlights of his visit will be the inauguration of the Namazgja Mosque, a monumental structure funded by the Turkish government and one of the largest mosques in the Balkans.

This visit represents much more than a diplomatic formality; it is a powerful reaffirmation of the historically strong ties between Albania and Turkey. While their relationship has always been good, the personal rapport between Rama and Erdogan has ushered in a new era of collaboration. With the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement and a slew of ongoing projects, Turkey has solidified its role as a vital ally for Albania on the international stage. It is no wonder that President Erdogan’s visit is met with such anticipation.

However, the stakes will rise significantly after Erdogan departs Albania for Serbia, where he will meet President Aleksandar Vu?i?. While this visit aims to strengthen regional relations, it raises important questions, particularly in light of Serbia’s increasing pressure on northern Kosovo. 

The significance of Erdogan’s back-to-back visits to Albania and Serbia cannot be underestimated; they may represent a historic opportunity to shift the narrative away from the nationalist conflicts that have long haunted the Balkans. Countries such as Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are grappling with serious issues, including rampant corruption, organized crime, and profound economic and social challenges.

It is time for the governments of the Western Balkans to turn a new page in their history. Turkey, as the strongest country in the region, has the potential to play a transformative role in calming tensions and fostering cooperation. We must embrace this opportunity and encourage Erdogan to take the lead in promoting peace and stability in a region that has suffered far too long.