PRESS RELEASE
Governor Sejko meeting with Governor Ignazio Visco of Banca d'Italia

On 9-10 September 2015, Gent Sejko, Governor of the Bank of Albania, paid a two-day visit to Banca d'Italia, in the framework of the bilateral cooperation between the two central banks.

From left: Governor Visco, Governor Sejko, Deputy Governor Rossi

During the visit, Governor Sejko met with Mr. Ignazio Visco, the Governor of Banca d'Italia and other senior managing executives. The meeting was focused mainly on the bilateral relations, the performance of the Albanian banking system and the latest developments in euro area.

In the context of the European integration process, Governor Sejko said that it is very important that opinions from our region's countries are taken into account inside the European Central Bank decision-making, as they have a significant impact on our economies and the respective banking systems.

Governor Sejko thanked Governor Visco for the fruitful cooperation between the two institutions, especially for the assistance provided by Banca d'Italia in projects concluded in the main areas of Bank of Albania's activity such as, banking supervision, statistics, payment systems and monetary policy.

It is believed that the two institutions may continue to exchange expertise and increase cooperation in such areas as convergence of legislation to European standards, non-performing loans and transparency of financial market agents, in line with European Union requirements.

Governor Visco commented the contribution and the important role of the Bank of Albania with regard to macroeconomic and financial stability. He pointed out that the policies and measures implemented by the Bank of Albania have contributed to strengthening its institutional capacities and integrity.

Being a member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, the Governor of the Bank of Italy pointed out that European Institutions are following with attention developments in Albania, especially those related to the Bank of Albania. Among others, maintaining the institutional independence of the central bank is deemed as a crucial factor.

In addition, Governor Visco underlined that the bilateral inter-institutional cooperation has been and continues to be solid and successful. He assured Governor Sejko that Banca d'Italia will continue to provide its full support towards fostering mutual cooperation, until Albania becomes a full member in the European family. 

In conclusion, Governor Sejko thanked Governor Visco for the warm welcome and invited him to pay a visit to Albania, as per his agenda.