Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Representatives of the Customs Administration and the General Directorate of Customs of Albania expressed readiness to establish closer cooperation through joint initiatives and concrete activities.

A high-level bilateral meeting between the Customs Administration and representatives of Albania’s General Directorate of Customs was held with the aim of further improving inter-institutional cooperation and strengthening joint action in the field of customs policy and security.

Both institutions expressed readiness to further strengthen cooperation, emphasizing that such meetings contribute to regional stability, security, and economic development.

Key topics of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting, including improving information exchange and strengthening cooperation in the field of risk management.

“Particular emphasis was placed on intensifying activities in the fight against smuggling, fraud, and other forms of illegal trade, through coordinated operational measures and the exchange of intelligence data,” the statement said.

The importance of cooperation at joint border crossings was also highlighted, in the context of facilitating trade and passenger traffic, implementing joint controls, and simplifying procedures.

Experiences were exchanged in the field of digitalization of customs procedures and the development of modern information systems, as well as activities carried out by both customs services in the EU accession process, aimed at improving efficiency and aligning with European standards.