VanHorn expressed the United States’ admiration for SPAK’s tireless efforts and encouraged them to continue their courageous and integrity-driven work.

She emphasized that SPAK and Albania’s independent institutions have the full support of the United States in their mission for the Albanian people, paving the way for Albania’s journey to EU membership.

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The U.S. diplomat clarified the memorandum signed during Secretary Blinken’s visit to Albania, emphasizing the importance of addressing disinformation within the framework of safeguarding media freedom and freedom of speech.

Wisner reaffirmed commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at combating disinformation while upholding fundamental democratic principles.

Voice of America: The Socialist majority approved establishment of the disinformation committee to combat ill-wishing influence on the democratic processes. The ruling majority claimed that the committee was the outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding that U.S. Secretary of State Blinken signed during his visit to Albania in February. Is this true and what would you tell those who voice concern about possible threats to media freedom?

David Wisner: You mentioned the Secretary’s visit, which was a milestone event in the Albania-US relations. And during that trip, Secretary and Foreign Minister Hasani signed a Memorandum, which you can access online and can find details of the agreement. It is an extremely important issue. Disinformation and misinformation are causing a real challenge to the United States, our NATO partners and allies, and it’s something we need to work on together. We have to put it clear that any effort to combat disinformation must take into account and respect freedom of speech, freedom of the press, which are fundamental to us as members of NATO, as partners on both sides of the Atlantic.

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The Foreign Affairs Policy Committee Chair Mimi Kodheli and Deputy Chair Tomor Alizoti congratulated Wisner on his new mission, assuring him that the cooperation between the two countries is at the highest level.

They discussed the strong bilateral relationship and special partnership between the United States and Albania.

Talks also focused on the priorities for the Foreign Affairs Policy Committee this year and during the next session of parliament.

The interlocutors also discussed political situation in the country, as well as the situation in the region and beyond.

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During the meeting, Parliament Speaker Nikolla underlined that the United States of America is a strategic partner and close friend of Albania and Albanians.

Parliament Speaker Nikolla and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Wisner discussed priorities for the new parliamentary session and cooperation to further consolidate democracy, deepen and advance reforms and shared the opinion that improved governance, and especially with regards to justice reform, is critical for Albania efforts to succeed within the Euro-Atlantic community.

In the meantime, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana said that the meeting focused on the new Parliamentary season and reaffirmation that the United States’ support for Albania’s democratic institutions.

“They both agreed that improved governance, and especially with regards to justice reform, is critical for Albania efforts to succeed within the Euro-Atlantic community,” the Embassy said in a release.

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