PRESS RELEASE
Meeting of Governor Sejko with H.E. Leonidas Rokanas, the Ambassador of the Republic of Greece in Tirana

On 2 July 2015, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, had an official meeting at the Bank of Albania with H.E.  Leonidas Rokanas, the Ambassador of the Republic of Greece in Tirana.

The meeting focused on the bilateral economic relations, the performance of the Albanian banking system, and the latest developments in Greece.

Governor Sejko emphasized that Greece is an important trading partner for Albania and affirmed his confidence that the Greek people will find the strength to overcome such a difficult moment.

Governor Sejko also informed the Ambassador of the Republic of Greece in Tirana about the important role of the Albanian banks with Greek capital in the Albanian financial system. For more than two decades, these banks have been a key actor in mobilising the public's savings and channelling them into financing the economy. At present, these banks have a sound financial, liquidity and capitalisation situation. The Bank of Albania hopes that in the near future Albanian banks with Greek capital will return to historic parameters in relation to lending to the economy. Governor Sejko assured Ambassador Rokanas that the Bank of Albania will provide its full support to the Albanian banking system, including banks with Greek capital.  

The interlocutors discussed on the perspectives of further enhancing the economic cooperation between the two countries, mainly in the area of the financial system.

Ambassador Rokanas also acknowledged the important role of Albanian Banks with Greek capital, while further underlining that Greece, for years, has consistently been the first foreign investor in Albania and a driving factor for the country's economy. Greece has also been a strong supporter of Albania's efforts to create a predictable and enabling business environment able to attract further foreign investment, boost domestic growth and ensure more prosperity in Albania. In this context, the Ambassador commended the work of the Bank of Albania and its support for safeguarding and guaranteeing the financial system in Albania.

In conclusion, regarding the situation in Greece, they shared the view that a swift solution is beneficial to both countries, given the significant importance of the current economic and financial situation.