TIRANA, April 29 /ATA/ The US Embassy in Tirana through a press release shared the highlights of the visit of Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Karen Donfried and Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar in Tirana on April 28-29.
They met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, various ministers, and opposition leaders. The purpose of their visit was to deepen the already strong partnership between the United States and Albania as friends, NATO Allies, and fellow members of the UN Security Council, especially as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of bilateral relations. They reiterated U.S. support for Albania’s EU accession and encouraged the continuation of necessary reforms, including justice reform; welcomed recent efforts to diversify energy sources, supplies, and routes in Albania and the broader region; and underlined that the U.S. will continue the fight against corruption as a core national security interest of the United States. They also stressed the irreplaceable role of a strong opposition in Albania’s democracy, highlighted the importance of strong democratic institutions and the rule of law, and expressed hope for an effective, forward-looking partnership with the Albanian people, including with the parties that represent them.
