The Croatian government has decided to abolish visas for the citizens of Albania as of next year, ATA news agency reported.

As of January 1, 2011, the citizens of Albania will no longer be required visas when crossing Croatia, or staying in the country up to 90 days.

The Albanian Foreign Ministry welcomed Zagreb's decision, underlining that it would bring the citizens of the two countries closer to each other and boost their cultural and economic ties, ATA reported.

Earlier this month, the European Union also abolished the visa regime for this Balkan country, which last year applied for EU candidate status.