Hasani assessed that the transatlantic bond is stronger than ever, while reaffirming the common commitment to democracy, human rights, security, peace and prosperity.

He expressed his gratitude to Secretary Blinken for his contribution to strengthening this relationship.

Minister Hasani is in New York where he is participating in a series of activities in context of the High Level Week of the UN General Assembly (September 22-30, 2024).

Albania’s priority agenda during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly is in line with the contribution made during the membership period in the Security Council (2022-2023) and includes promotion of multilateralism, support for the 2030 Agenda and the Development Goals of Sustainable Development of the UN. /m.m/p.s./

Sharing a photo in a post on the social media, Foreign Minister Hasani said that he expressed gratitude to the U.S. Secretary of State Blinken for the  historic NATO Summit in Washington DC, marking the Alliance’s 75th anniversary.

“This pivotal gathering reaffirmed our commitment to transatlantic unity in facing global challenges,” Hasani stated.

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“It is with deep appreciation that I extend my sincere gratitude to You and Your delegation for Your visit to Tirana on February 15. I would also like to express my profound appreciation to all those who facilitated the visit, particularly the US Embassy in Tirana. Allow me to take this opportunity to reaffirm the Albanian Government’s unwavering commitment to our alliance with the United States and our shared goals of promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights,” PM Rama said in his letter.

“The Albanian Government remains committed to supporting much-needed rule of law reform as a critical foundation of Albania’s democracy and a vital pillar in our efforts to combat corruption. We also recognize the importance of working together to reform other critical sectors of society, which are essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration path,” he added.

The government head voiced Albania’s readiness and intentions to host the NATO Summit in 2027.

“As we prepare for the upcoming NATO summit in DC, I would like to reassure You of Albania’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability. We believe it is crucial to continue working together to ensure regional stability and repel external malign influences, as we shared during our meeting in Tirana. I believe the time for the Alliance to convene a full-fledged Summit in the Western Balkans, for the first time ever, has arrived. Following our discussion in Tirana, I would like to reiterate Albania’s intention to host the NATO Summit 2027, immediately after the one to be held in 2026, which Turkey has generously offered to host,” the Premier stated.

“As an allied country, Albania has always demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the unity and values of the Alliance. By stepping forward to host the NATO Summit, it reiterates its role as the beacon of the Alliance’s values and purpose in this part of Europe. This event would be of historic and strategic significance for both the region and the Alliance. It would convey the strong message that the region is of strategic importance for the Alliance. Thank You again, Secretary Blinken, for Your visit to Tirana and for Your continued support of Albania’s efforts to promote democracy and stability in the region,” PM Rama said in his letter of thanks to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

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“The United States believes Kosovo’s future is in Europe and Euro-Atlantic institutions.  We support the aspirations set out in your declaration of independence and constitution to “contribute to the stability of the region and entire Europe by creating relations of good neighborliness and cooperation,” the US diplomacy chief said in a press statement.

Blinken affirmed that “the United States values our enduring partnership, rooted in mutual understanding, shared values, and friendship between our people.”

He underlined that the United States encourages Kosovo to implement its commitments and press ahead through the EU-facilitated dialogue to achieve a comprehensive normalization agreement with Serbia, on the path to eventual mutual recognition.

“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Kosovo as you celebrate your sixteenth anniversary as a sovereign, independent state. As you continue to make progress on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting the rule of law, we will continue to support a multiethnic Kosovo that advances a safer, more secure, and more prosperous region.  The United States encourages Kosovo to implement its commitments and press ahead through the EU-facilitated dialogue to achieve a comprehensive normalization agreement with Serbia, on the path to eventual mutual recognition,” Blinken concluded.

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The US Embassy in Tirana provided today details of Secretary Blinken’s meetings during his visit in Tirana.

Secretary Blinken asserted that Albania is key to dealing with so many of the challenges we face and that we can most effectively deal with together.

The Secretary thanked Albania for its hospitality hosting Afghans, and its support of Ukraine at the United Nations Security Council, and for its support for Ukraine against Russia’s horrific, unprovoked invasion.

He noted that business ties continue to grow and discussed the need to continue strengthening independent justice reform as a crucial part of boosting economic growth and EU accession efforts.

At the trip’s conclusion, the Secretary and Foreign Minister Igli Hasani signed two Memorandums of Understanding on the Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation and on the Fulbright Academic Exchange program./p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media today some backstage moments with the Secretary of State.

Yesterday, Secretary Blinken praised PM Rama as a great leader and extraordinary partner.

“I am very happy to be with you today. I am grateful especially for the extraordinary partnership that we both have. Mr. Prime Minister is not only an extraordinary leader, but also an extraordinary prime minister and during the last 3 and a half years the prime minister has stood alongside us and we have worked together, we have faced the difficulties together”, Blinken said.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived yesterday morning in Tirana where he was received by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani and other Albanian and American embassy officials.

During the day, he participated in a meeting with young Albanians who have studied in the USA. He expressed his gratitude for the hospitality in Albania and the extraordinary partnership between the two countries.

Blinken praised Rama as a great leader but also an extraordinary partner, saying that in 3 and half years we have been faced challenges together.

Rama also shared a moment from the meeting at the premier’s office, the gifts exchanged and then also moments from the joint media conference where Blinken once again praised the leadership of the Albanian Prime Minister and the partnership on important issues such as the war in Ukraine, the chair of the Security Council, the sheltering of the Afghan people./p.s./

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the United States’ enduring commitment to Albania’s justice reform during a meeting with justice leaders yesterday.

“Though reform is neither quick, perfect, or easy, this is the moment for new justice institutions to courageously take on impunity and foster public trust in the rule of law. These challenges are great, but the United States stands firmly behind these institutions and will remain steadfast in our support.”/p.s./

Blinken said that he and Prime Minister Rama had discussed how to keep making Albania’s democratic institutions more accountable to Albania’s citizens.

“Justice reform has not been easy, perfect, or quick, but it is showing real results,” he said.

State Secretary also said that during his visit to Tirana he had the opportunity to key judges and prosecutors who are helping to lead the reform effort.

“Corrupt officials are being held accountable.  Members of organized crime are going to prison and losing their assets.  So this is a very powerful process, but it’s a process, and it continues to move forward.  We’ll continue to strongly support Albania in these efforts, which are critical steps toward Albania joining the European Union and what the people in Albania deserve,” he said.

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Speaking at a joint press conference with the Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, US Secretary “this is not an active capability, but it is a potential one that we’re taking very, very seriously.”

“And I would expect that we’ll have more to say soon – in fact, very soon – so stay tuned for that. And, of course, we’re also conferring with allies and partners on this issue,” Blinken added.

“The President’s focus, President Biden’s focus, is on the security of the United States and its people.    That’s where his focus is,” he stated.

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Speaking about Albania-NATO cooperation, Blinken underlined that Albania has played significant role in helping to keep the peace in Kosovo to deter Russian aggression on NATO’s Eastern flank.

“Over its 15 years now in NATO, Albania has made significant contributions to our alliance.  Albanian troops are helping to keep the peace in Kosovo to deter Russian aggression on NATO’s Eastern flank,” Blinken said.

US Secretary said that the NATO members have boosted their contribution and commitment to the mutual defence.

“Our 31 Allies, soon to be 32 Allies, bring different histories, different experiences, different geographies, and different capabilities.  But each of us has the same ironclad commitment to our mutual defense, and each of us makes important contributions and sacrifices. In the last three years alone, virtually every Ally has increased defense spending as a percentage of its GDP,” he said.

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