State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a press conference on Wednesday that Blinken’s visit, his first to Tirana, reaffirms strong relations between the United States of America and Albania.

Miller said the U.S. sees as a “key partner for stability in the Western Balkans and a firm ally” in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s brutal aggression on the country.

“Secretary Blinken will travel to Tirana, Albania and Munich, Germany tomorrow. This will be the Secretary’s first trip to Albania, and while there, he will reaffirm the strength of the United States’ relationship with Albania. Albania has been a strong voice in support of Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and freedom against Russia’s brutal aggression. Albania has been a principled leader during its tenure in the UN Security Council and as the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship and is a key partner for stability and progress in the Western Balkans,” U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

Blinken’s visit will focus on the future of Albania, the Western Balkans, and Europe. Blinken will meet Prime Minister Edi Rama and the President of the Republic Bajram Begaj.

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