Albania sees 'zero' benefits from China's '17+1' but will stay: PM

Edi Rama emphasizes dialogue with all as he explores granting NATO naval base

20230222 Republic of Albania Prime Minister Edi Rama portrait main

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama after an interview with Nikkei in Tokyo on Feb. 22: He stressed it is important for all countries to talk to one another. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) 

SHOICHIRO TAGUCHI and MAYA SHIMIZU, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Albania's prime minister sees no economic benefits from what is left of China's "17+1" economic cooperation bloc with Eastern European nations, although he plans to remain in the grouping as a channel for dialogue with Beijing.

Speaking with Nikkei Asia in Tokyo on Wednesday, Edi Rama said the framework, which China values as a cornerstone of its Belt and Road Initiative influence, has not been beneficial. "In terms of economic impact, I would say zero," he said.

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