Minister Blendi Gonxhja explained that, pursuant to the normative act, an agreement was reached between the Albanian entity and the German partner’s officially authorized representative, who is the main event promoter.

“High-profile events deliver immense value to our local economy and community. Relevant state structures were briefed on this opportunity early this year, and we assured the promoters of our commitment, readiness, and security support. We were very eager to host an event of this size featuring this specific artist”, said Minister Gonxhja.

The minister said that the event attracted 35,000 non-residents to Tirana, including at least 25,000 foreigners. On average, these visitors stayed between 3 and 7 days, stimulating the local hospitality sector.

Asked by MP Ina Zhupa if the Ministry of Culture would also pay Jennifer Lopez 4.3 million euros, Minister Gonxhja said that we rejected Jennifer Lopez’s proposal because she required a €2 million security deposit in the event of protests. The government cannot subsidize the costs of potential public destabilization. As a result, meeting her financial conditions proved impossible,” said Gonxha. /p.s./

To optimize organizational and security preparations, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja as well as officials from the Municipality of Tirana, the Albanian Road Authority and key emergency services conducted a joint field inspection.

Gonxhja said that preparations are in full swing to deliver a safe, spectacular experience for the thousands of fans joining to attend the concert.

“The countdown is on! Less than a month away, Kanye West is set to take the stage in Albania for the music event of the year”, said Minister Gonxhja.

The minister emphasized that managing visitor flow, public safety, and infrastructure requires seamless inter-institutional coordination.

Kanye West’s highly anticipated July 11 concert at Eagle Stadium is set to draw tens of thousands of fans to Tirana. This historic, one-night-only event cements the capital as a premier summer destination on the global music map.

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Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said that the global icon Ye (formerly Kanye West) is coming for a massive, one-night-only exclusive performance, featuring a world-class production of unparalleled scale.

“This milestone firmly establishes Albania on the map of premier international gatherings”, Gonxhja wrote in a post in the social media.

The minister also wrote that on July 11, 2026, Ye will perform at a specially built 60,000-seat Eagle Stadium, located along the Tirana-Durres highway.

Minister Gonxhja appreciated that this project is a major investment in our event infrastructure, establishing Albania as a premier hub for cultural and artistic events.

His presence in Tirana is not only a milestone for the Albanian public but also a prime opportunity to elevate the nation’s international profile through cultural tourism and the events sector. This high-profile activity is poised to generate a substantial local economic boost, strengthen our global standing, and forge strategic partnerships for Albania’s creative and event industries.

International event firm Streetlife is organizing the concert, with Redcloud managing on-site production and logistics in Tirana. /a.f/r.e/p.s./.

In answer to the question of the journalists whether the relationship between Albania and Kosovo is also worsening, Rama answered that, “The Albanian nation risks to appear in a bad light in the eyes of those who have created this nation promoting it into the best level for the first time in many years. Thus, the problem is the citizens of Kosovo and all Albanians”.

“We have a lot of problems, because Albania is not a UFO, it does not operate in isolation and Albania’s relationship with Kosovo is a relationship of brotherhood. Albania is a country which is an inseparable part of the Euro-Atlantic community, a member of the NATO, and there is no chance that Albania will move from the axis of the Euro-Atlantic community”, emphasized Rama.

Moreover, continued Rama, “We think not 99, but 100% the same as our allies think in this case”.

“When some of the partners told PM Kurti and Kosovo authorities not to hold the elections in the north, I was 100% with PM Kurti and Kosovo authorities that the elections should be held, that the boycott of the Serbs could not win the status of the fatal instrument for the Republic of Kosovo, i.e. we do not want to participate in, hence, elections cannot be held”, said Rama, adding that, “In that case, I also made my modest contribution so that the partners would understand that there is no PM Kurti’s caprice, but a principled position and correct for me”.

But today, Rama emphasized, “We do not share the opinion on the way it is being acted and we are 100% against the way it is being acted”.

“Albania’s relations with the Euro-Atlantic community and the position that Albania has gained in this community, where today it is at its highest point in its history, cannot be questioned by anyone and for any reason, and even less under discussion is a situation where Kosovo is being threatened by a wrong strategic judgement”, said Rama. /k.s/ /gj.m/r.e/p.s./

PM Rama is in the United States of America to attend the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

“Here’s the moment of special hospitality in the West Point”, – said Rama.

Accompanied by Minister of Defence Niko Peleshi and the US Ambassador Yuri Kim, Prime Minister Rama gave the good news to hundreds of students of the Military Academy that everyone will have the opportunity for a free laissez-passer during the weekend.

“I guarantee the cadets a free laissez-passer at the weekend,” Rama said.

Yesterday, PM Rama visited the Military Academy “West Point”, in the framework of the dialogue launched with the US government, for the twinning and unification of programs with the Academy of the Albanian Armed Forces./k.s/j.p/p.s./

While posting a photo from the meeting, PM Rama said that the Albanian youth of the “West Point” Academy will bring in the service of the homeland the knowledge and military culture acquired in this center of American excellence.

“It is a pleasure to feel the shortest between the two exemplary Albanian boys of the West Point Academy, who will bring in the service of the homeland, the knowledge and military culture gained in this center of American excellence”, stated Rama.

Prime Minister Edi Rama is in New York to attend the High Level Week of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly. /a.a/p.s./

PM Rama, who is in the United States of America to attend the United Nations Meeting, was received with a ceremony at the West Point Academy.

“New York – At the West Point Military Academy, in the framework of the dialogue launched with the American government, for the twinning and unification of curricula with the Albanian Armed Forces Academy”, Rama said.

Last week, during his speech in the Parliament, PM Rama informed that he has asked the allies to transform the Defense Academy into a military academy of excellence in direct partnership with them, so that the academic education of the Albanian military, but also others of NATO -s around, to be done in terms of excellence done in the USA. /a.a/r.e/p.s./