"The project in Albania is moving forward, it will be operational soon. It will be a strategic project. It can significantly change migration management policies in the EU," Meloni told State broadcaster Rai 3's 'In mezz'ora' (In half an hour) program on Sunday, May 26.

Meloni mocked members of the opposition Democratic Party (PD) who "first attacked us because, according to them, we were building a Guantanamo, and now they complain about the delays in building Guantanamo," she said of the Albanian centers set to host sea migrants trying to come ashore.

"The project will work and will lead the way," she added.

Also read: Italy-Albania asylum-seeker deal to cost €653 million, report finds

'Italy-Albania accord is setting example on immigration', Meloni

The announcement on Sunday followed statements made by Meloni the previous day on social media. "The greatest satisfaction for me is the agreement with Albania to manage there part of the illegal migrants who would like to come to Italy," commented Meloni.

"When we announced it, many kicked up a fuss and decried a violation of the rule of law, a fascist and racist government," the prime minister said.

"Well, a few days ago, 15 out of 27 European countries signed an appeal to the European Commission which, among other things, said the EU should follow the Italian model over the agreement with Albania. With all due respect to our left and its attempts to sink any response against illegal immigration, Italy is setting the example on immigration," she stressed.

Also read: Italian PM defends Albania accord amid opposition outcry

'I would sign accord with Rome all over again', Rama

Albanian Premier Edi Rama addressed the agreement with Italy on social media. "No, I haven't changed my mind, nor have I given an interview," he stated on May 24 on X (formerly known as Twitter), denying a report by the Rome daily La Repubblica.

"I acted as an Albanian practicing our ancient religion of hospitality by offering coffee to friends from Italy. We discussed various topics in a friendly atmosphere, including the agreement and the history of irregular immigration from Albania to Italy, which former premier Massimo D'Alema successfully ended with common sense and strategic foresight," Rama explained.

He added that he "never imagined" being "embroiled in an Italian political controversy, quoted as saying words I never uttered, like 'it will be a flop' or 'we would need D'Alema,' under the headline 'Rama dumps Meloni,' in which I don't recognize myself," he said, referring to the report.

The Albanian premier stressed that he would sign the agreement on migrants with Italy "100 times" and "with no other country."

Also read: Albania's top court begins review of asylum deal with Italy