New Delhi [India], March 23 (ANI): India and Albania on Thursday held their third Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in the national capital and both sides reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues.

During the meeting, the bilateral discussions included progress made in political relations, trade and investments, cultural relations and people-to-people contacts.

"During the FOCs, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral, regional and international issues. Bilateral discussions included progress made in political relations, trade and investments, cultural relations and people-to-people contacts. Discussions also covered cooperation between the two countries in international and multilateral fora," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the press release.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the neighbourhoods of India and Albania, G20 and the Ukraine conflict, according to the press release.

For the meeting, the Indian side was led by Shri Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs. The Albanian side was led by Secretary General of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Gazmend Turdiu.

The MEA in the press release noted that India and Albania completed 65 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2021. India and Albania enjoy close and friendly relations, according to MEA. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at a mutually convenient time in Tirana.

The Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi took to his official Twitter handle to inform about the foreign office consultations between India and Albania.

Arindam Bagchi tweeted, "3rd India-Albania FOC held in New Delhi today. Co-chaired by Secretary West @SanjayVermalFSSecretary General Gazmend Turdiu @AlbanianDiplo. Discussed ways to further strengthen political, economic, tradeP2P contacts. Also exchanged views on regionalmultilateral issues." (ANI)