Minister of Finance Ervin Mete said in his remarks at the ceremony held at the US Embassy in Tirana, with the participation of the Director of the USAID Mission in Albania, Mrs. Mischere Kawas, that the Agreement, initially ratified at the end of 2013, has provided significant support for undertaking important reforms in areas such as human rights, governance, economic development, peace and security.

“The renewal of the agreement until 2030, bringing the total value of the financing up to 97 million dollars, is another proof of the continuous support of the US Government for Albania, a support which becomes even more important for the stage of our country in the process of accession negotiations and efforts to get closer to the European Union. The USA has been and continues to be one of the biggest supporters of our country, not only in terms of membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures, but also in terms of important reforms, such as the justice reform, or a series of other reforms that we are undertaking, increasing transparency and accountability, as well as developing the priority sectors of the economy,” said Minister Mete.

For her part, the Director of USAID in Albania emphasized that “this is a key moment, while Albania takes the next steps towards Euro-Atlantic integration and EU membership. We are ready to be an ally at every step of the way, where USAID expands and deepens the relationship of cooperation with the citizens and the Government of Albania.

Since 1992, USAID has invested over $500 million in Albania in support of political pluralism, civil society, local government, the rule of law, the energy and health sectors, sustainable economic growth, including tourism development, and supporting small -sized enterprises.
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