The delegation, led by Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, visited Tirana as part of events marking the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Albania’s Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard.

The cooperation began in 2001 under the U.S. State Partnership Program, an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of State, and has since focused on strengthening professionalism, modernising capabilities and enhancing operational readiness of Albania’s military.

In a statement on social media, Defence Minister Nufi highlighted the progress achieved through the partnership, describing it as a source of pride and pointing to its role in advancing the development and capacity-building of the armed forces.

During the meeting, Nufi expressed gratitude for the sustained U.S. support and reiterated Albania’s readiness to further deepen its strategic partnership with the United States.

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The Defense Minister Niko Peleshi said that the visit is a clear indicator of the United States’ commitment to supporting Albania in its efforts to strengthen military capacities.

“Privileged to have a strategic ally like the United States on our side! Close cooperation between our two countries is essential to the regional security and stability,” Peleshi said in a statement on the social media.

Defense Minister Peleshi expressed special gratitude for our American partners for their continued and unconditional support for Albanian Armed Forces to strengthen their capacities.

During a visit to Zall Herr today, home of the Albanian Armed Forces, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Wisner met with members of the U.S. Army Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Albanian Armed Forces, the U.S. Embassy said.

He also met with Major General Ilir Xhebexhia of the Land Forces. Wisner reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to our strong defense cooperation, including as NATO Allies, highlighting the pivotal role of U.S.-Albania joint training to contribute to regional security and stability.

He expressed the United States’ ongoing commitment to support Albania in further strengthening its military capabilities.

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The U.S. Embassy in Kosovo hosted a reception on occasion of the 247^th U.S. Independence Day on Thursday evening.

Kosovo top state officials, President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Assembly Speaker Glauk Konjufca attended the event.

However, U.S. Ambassador noted, as the United States and other international partners offer advice to Kosovo leaders, they ask things that seem to be or that are difficult and they take actions as a consequence of, or in response to decisions that are at odds with their advice.

U.S. Ambassador stated the Kosovo has made incredible progress since the country declared independence in 2008.

“Today, as we celebrate 247 years of the United States as a free, independent, sovereign state, we also acknowledge and celebrate together the 15 years since Kosovo achieved its independence, the remarkable progress the people of Kosovo have made in that short period of time, and the promise of additional progress to the benefit of all of the people of Kosovo,” U.S. diplomat said.

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