TIRANA, June 28 /ATA/ The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Tirana, David Wisner, at the reception organized on the occasion of the 248th anniversary of US Independence, emphasized that the ties that bind our two countries have grown tight over the last 102 years of diplomatic relations.
In attendance of the reception were President of the Republic Bajram Bagaj, ministers, MPs, representatives of religious communities, politicians, etc.
In his remarks, Wisner said that we share a great deal in common – from the eagles that fly over our lands, to our love of liberty, to a passion for football (even if they are two very different games!), to the Americans that visit and live in Albania, to the large and talented Albanian diaspora communities in the U.S. featured here tonight.
“I sometimes hear that Albanians remain reticent about public service, remembering the connotations that concept held during a darker period in Albania’s history. In my year here, I have found the reality to be much more nuanced and, indeed, cause of considerable optimism,” Wisner said.
I see our Youth Council and Outdoor Ambassadors teaching their peers to become active and engaged citizens, lessons critical to building Albania’s democracy.
I see teachers and interpreters from the School for the Deaf preparing their students to succeed, setting an example of equal opportunity for everyone.
I see employees across branches of government delivering essential services in their communities and working to make them stronger.
I see businesspeople and entrepreneurs innovating, offering new products and services that enhance lives and create jobs, trying to make Albania a place where the young want to build their lives.
I see civil society and independent media representatives who are taking risks and advocating for the needs of those without a voice while organizing citizens to address issues important to them and building a better Albania.
I see judges, prosecutors, investigators, lawyers, and many more working hard to reform Albania’s justice system and tackle corruption so that everyone is truly equal before the law.
“As NATO approaches its 75th birthday, I see members of Albania’s military who are defending our shared democracy and values against those who seek to undermine them.
In sum, I see a community of people this Embassy is deeply proud to stand side by side with as friends, partners, and allies, Wisner said.
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