TIRANA, Oct. 9 /ATA/ – President Bajram Begaj awarded U.S. senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin Albania’s highest honour, “Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle”, at a ceremony at the Palace of Brigades on Friday.
The senators were accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt.
Begaj praised the strategic partnership and longstanding alliance between Albania and the United States, citing shared democratic values and a commitment to Euro-Atlantic security.
He thanked Washington for its continued support for Albania’s Euro-Atlantic integration, democratic institutions, justice reform and defence capabilities.
The president stressed the importance of continued cooperation within NATO and U.S. engagement in the Western Balkans to preserve peace, stability and the region’s Euro-Atlantic prospects. He also highlighted the U.S. contribution to Kosovo’s security through the NATO-led KFOR mission.
The talks also addressed the Board of Peace, with Begaj expressing Albania’s support for international initiatives promoting dialogue and cooperation.
“Excellent political cooperation creates opportunities to translate our ties into concrete cooperation in areas such as energy, investment, defence, cybersecurity and infrastructure,” Begaj said.
During the award ceremony, Begaj praised the senators’ contributions to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States and their continued support for Albania’s Euro-Atlantic integration and stability in the Western Balkans.
He also highlighted their support for the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, which aims to strengthen economic, democratic and institutional cooperation across the region.
The ceremony reaffirmed the close ties between Albania and the United States and Albania’s appreciation for those who have helped strengthen the bilateral partnership.
/gj.m/j.p/r.e/u.sh/
