PRESS RELEASE
On the visit of the Bank of Albania delegation at the Bank of Greece

On Tuesday, July 26 2005, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Ardian Fullani, met the Governor of the Bank of Greece, Mr. Nicholas C. Garganas, in the framework of an official visit that the delegation from Bank of Albania made from July 25 - 27 2005, in Athens.

The two governors had the opportunity to review economical developments in Greece and Albania, to review the function of the financial systems in the two countries and to discuss the possibility of expanding the co-operation between the two central banks, especially in the monetary policy and banking supervision areas. The Bank of Greece and the Bank of Albania have signed a memorandum of understanding since 1999 in regards to the collaboration of the two institutions on banking supervision issues.

At the same time, the four-member delegation from Bank of Albania and officials from the Bank of Greece have explored the possibilities of extending the co-operation of the two central banks.

The Bank of Greece pays a special attention to the visit of Governor Fullani to Athens. The collaboration of the two central banks is very important for enhancing and strengthening relationship between the two countries. Actually, there are four Greek banks exercising their activity in Albania, whereas recently the American Bank of Albania opened its first branch in Athens. Taking this opportunity, Mr. Ardian Fullani visited shortly the new branch of the American Bank of Albania in Athens, where Governor Fullani was informed about its economic-financial performance.