TIRANA, July 10 /ATA/ – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group Thom Tillis reconfirmed the bipartisan commitment to peace and stability in the Western Balkans and explored the ways how the United States of America can support the aspirations of the countries in the region to join the European Union.
The two U.S. Senators issued a press statement following a bipartisan meeting at the Capitol with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, and Montenegro’s Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, on a visit to Washington to attend the high-level NATO Summit.
The Senators praised the contribution of the Western Balkan nations to NATO, their steadfast support for Ukraine and their role towards regional stability.
The meeting at the Capitol highlighted efforts to support Western Balkan countries on their path towards EU membership, stressing the region’s crucial role in European security amidst ongoing challenges, including Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
“This is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the Western Balkans by supporting the progress of each of these countries towards EU membership, which would help our transatlantic alliance achieve regional and global stability,” Senator Shaheen said.
Senator Shaheen emphasized the United States’ role in bolstering regional stability through NATO alliances, advocating continued support for Ukraine and standing firm against totalitarian regimes.
Senator Tillis echoed these sentiments, underscoring bipartisan Senate unity in promoting peace efforts in the region.
Republican Senators Mike Rounds, Jerry Moran and Pete Ricketts attended the meeting too.
As co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, U.S. Senators Shaheen and Tillis have led bipartisan efforts in the Senate in support of the Transatlantic Alliance.
They have called for a reaffirmation of the US commitment to NATO.
A high-level NATO summit is being held in Washington this week, commemorating 75 years since the alliance’s founding treaty.
/VOA /u.sh/
