Sokol Balla: Good evening and welcome to this second edition of Real Story here on Vizion Plus, every Monday and Thursday, at 9 pm. I am Sokol Balla. It’s a new studio, a new season, and we start the program with an invitee who comes here for the first time and, unfortunately, also for the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 13 September, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, History, News, Policy, Political Affairs, U.S. & Albania
In a ceremony held on June 21 at the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Charge D’Affaires Ryan Roberts and U.S. Defense Attaché James Hilton presented the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) Acceptance Certificate to Albanian Cadet Enea Hilaj who was accompanied by his family. Mr. Hilaj is the fourth Albanian Cadet to attend the Academy but the first ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 21 June, 2018 | Topics:
Chargé D’Affaires, Education, Embassy, Events, News, Public Affairs, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., Success Stories, U.S. & Albania
Remarks as prepared for delivery It’s a real pleasure to be here in Croatia. I want to thank Minister Božinović for hosting me. We met in Washington DC in January and I am glad we had the chance to meet again this time in Croatia. Thank you for the invitation to visit your beautiful country. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 May, 2018 | Topics:
Events, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, Speeches
Today U.S. Ambassador Donald Lu and Albanian Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka welcomed the delivery of the first shipment of U.S. disaster response equipment to Albania’s Directorate of Civil Emergencies to enhance their capacity to respond to future flooding. The shipment was sent from Livorno, Italy after extensive coordination with the European Command (EUCOM) Humanitarian Assistance ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 January, 2018 | Topics:
Events, Press Releases, U.S. & Albania
Honorable Deputy Head of the Parliament Hysi, honorable Deputy Prime Minister Mesi, honorable Advocate e Popullit Balanca, diplomatic colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, Many years ago when my wife was working on her academic research on domestic violence, she taught yoga at a shelter in Central Asia for women who had been trafficked or were victims ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, Human Rights, News, Press Releases
U.S. Embassy Tirana celebrated Albania’s Independence Day with a very special show. Embassy staff dressed in traditional folk costumes from all regions of Albania, showcasing not only their beautiful and unique craftsmanship, but also Albania’s culture and art that was passed from generation to generation.
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Culture, Embassy, Events, History, U.S. & Albania
Minister Gjiknuri, Minister Ahmetaj, colleagues, My colleagues dared me to start today’s workshop with an energy joke. Here goes: Why did the gardener plant a light bulb? He thought he would get a power plant! Albania has been pulling energy from the ground for more than 100 years. Crude oil was first discovered at Patos ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Government Offices, News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Minister Xhacka, General Kollcaku, General Cahani, brave members of the Albanian Forces, Albanian soldiers and sailors are true heroes. This has never been more clear than this week when Albanian sailors on the navy ship the Oriku saved the lives of 100 Syrian refugees, including 39 children. The Oriku has been serving in a NATO ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News, Speeches
Official Student Contest and Rules An annual student regional anti-corruption competition (sponsored by the U.S. Departments of State and Justice and the U.S. Embassies in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia) will be conducted to encourage the Balkan student population to develop public awareness campaigns that advocate for intolerance and rejection ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 1 November, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News
Dear students, dear Youth Council members, good morning! I want to commend the remarkable work you have done to fight corruption in the education system. But first, let me say two words about the current controversy surrounding former Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri. All of you are watching history being made in this country. What you ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News, Speeches
DEPUTY SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Thank you, Alyson, for that kind introduction. And thanks to you and to OES Acting Assistant Secretary Judith Garber for the good work you and your teams have done in putting together this event. First, I want to extend Secretary Tillerson’s regrets that he was unable to join you today. He’s very passionate ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 October, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Key Officials, Public Affairs
The U.S. Embassy, Tirana, Albania is selling surplus property (two vehicles, household furniture and appliances, office furniture, computer equipment and many more) via web based online auction. Surplus Property is being sold according to the regulations of the U.S. Department of State. Each lot has an assigned unique number (lot number), detailed description, condition, functionality and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 October, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, Events, Press Releases
Honorable former President Moisiu, Chairman Zaganjori, Minister Gjonaj, Minister Xhafaj, Mr. Sadushi, fellow ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning! Today, I see two groups in this room. The first group is on the stage, they are some foreigners and some, with due respect, some seniors with a lot of experience in the justice system. To ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News, Speeches
* as prepared for delivery Mr. Kola, Mr. Kacorri, Mrs. Reci, dear students, Good morning. This is my first visit to Rrëshen and I love it here. This is also our first of many meetings with young people in towns across Albania. We have a message for you, but we also hope to learn something ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 September, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Education, Embassy, Events, Public Affairs, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
A delegation of four U.S. Senators visited Albania today to discuss the U.S.-Albania partnership, and issues of security, defense and counterterrorism cooperation. Senators Blunt, Cornyn, Cotton, and Tillis met with President Ilir Meta, Government officials, and leaders from the Democratic Party to underscore the importance of Albania’s role in regional stability, counter-terrorism efforts, and the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 August, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Key Officials, Press Releases
Representatives Devin Nunes and Rick Crawford visited Albania, where they met with a variety of leaders to discuss a range of issues, including the NATO alliance, regional security, defense and counterterrorism cooperation, and other bilateral affairs. During their visit, Representatives Nunes and Crawford met with President Meta, Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha, and other government ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 August, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, Events, News, U.S. & Albania
In honor of World Press Freedom Day, the U.S. Department of State, together with the U.S. Embassy in Tirana and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, hosted a webchat with Richard Lui of MSNBC and Courtney Radsch of the Committee to Protect Journalists. A group of Albanian journalists and journalism students asked questions from the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 3 May, 2017 | Topics:
American Spaces, Embassy, Events, News, Public Affairs
From April 10 – 24th, the Public Affairs Section brought international NGO 10 Million Discs to Albania to spread the concepts of teamwork, conflict resolution, leadership, personal accountability, and mutual respect through the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. They worked with P.E. teachers and students from Shkoder, Lezha, Tirana, Durres, Kavaja, Vlora, and Fier. Ultimate Frisbee ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 April, 2017 | Topics:
Education, Embassy, Events, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania
U.S. Senator John McCain visited Albania on Friday, where he highlighted the U.S.- Albania military partnership, the importance of the country’s judicial reform, and efforts to defeat ISIS. Senator McCain, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with President Bujar Nishani, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Parliamentary Leader Ilir Meta, and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 April, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, Events, Government Offices, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania
Good morning, Secretary General and my fellow ministers, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. Let me be very clear at the outset of my remarks: the U.S. commitment to NATO is strong and this Alliance remains the bedrock for transatlantic security. This Alliance was forged from the ashes of World War II, and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 31 March, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, Speeches
| Tags: Rex Tillerson
Minister Harito, Amb. van de Weerd, Amb. Ndisi, Ms. Leskaj, ladies and gentlemen, I want to tell you the story of a brave young woman who touched my life and the lives of one billion people in India. The media called her Nirbayba (or fearless) because it is illegal in India to publish the name ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Gender Issues, Human Rights, News
On March 24th, Ambassador Lu hosted a reception to honor U.S. Embassy Tirana’s 2017 nominee for the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award, Ms. Liljana Luani. The Award honors women around the globe who exemplify courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News
On March 23, U.S. Ambassador Donald Lu and Chief of U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Johnston joined local authorities to inaugurate the newly renovated Development Center for Persons with Disabilities in Shkoder. This project was made possible by the
Humanitarian Assistance (HA) program of the United States Department of Defense. The HA program provided approximately USD ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 23 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News, Press Releases
Minister Ekonomi, AmCham President Crawford, AmCham members, dear friends and colleagues, When I arrived two years ago, one of the first events that I participated in was the AmCham General Assembly meeting where we said farewell to Floreta Faber and welcomed Lorenc Gjoni. Times have changed. Ministers have come and gone. Floreta is in Washington ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Commercial Affairs, Embassy, Events, News, Speeches
The U.S. Embassy, Tirana, Albania is selling surplus property (nine embassy vehicles) via web based online auction. Surplus Property is being sold according to the regulations of the U.S. Department of State. Each lot has an assigned unique number (lot number), detailed description, condition, functionality and various photos. Surplus Property is sold via online web auction ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 March, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, Events
On February 24th, the representatives of the Shkoder Youth Football Club visited the Embassy for the Meet America program. They met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer, the Marine Security Guards Detachment Commander, Deputy Chief of Mission David Muniz, and Ambassador Lu. The group learned about work at the Embassy, educational opportunities in the United ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 February, 2017 | Topics:
American Spaces, Embassy, Events, News
On February 22nd a group of university students from Albanian University in Tirana visited the Embassy. They met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer who talked to them about Public Diplomacy, U.S. education, cultural programs, and exchanges. They also spoke to four of the Marine Security Guards about their work at the Embassy. Ambassador Lu ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 February, 2017 | Topics:
American Spaces, Embassy, Events, News
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: (In progress) took office, and just a few days after your great speech in Munich where you so clearly declared the strong commitment and the unwavering support of the United States to the transatlantic bond. And we welcome that because we see the strong commitment of the United States to the transatlantic ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 20 February, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Speeches, Vice President of the United States
| Tags: Mike Pence
This is the 11th consecutive year that the U.S. Embassy in Tirana has held a blood drive in cooperation with Albanian Red Cross and the National Blood Bank. You can do it, too! Ask the
#AlbanianRedCross to organize a blood drive at your place of work! Donate blood, save a life!
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 February, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, Events
On February 10th a group of high school students from Sami Frashëri High School in Tirana visited the Embassy. They met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer who talked to them about Public Diplomacy and some of the Embassy’s youth programs. Next they met two of the Marine Security Guards and learned about their experience ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 February, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy, Events
On February 8th a group of seventh graders from Avni Rustemi elementary school visited the Embassy. They met two of the Marine Security Guards and learned about their role at the Embassy in Tirana and around the world. Next they met with the Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts who explained what public diplomacy is and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 February, 2017 | Topics:
Events
Congratulations to the new President of U.S. Embassy Youth Council, Euglent Zeqo! Euglent was elected on Thursday evening and will replace Fjoralba Caka. After the elections Ambassador Lu recognized Fjoralba for all of her hard work and dedication as the Council’s first president. Check out all of the
U.S. Embassy Youth Council Albania ’s impressive projects!
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 February, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, Public Affairs
What happens when you put an amazing Albanian band, Ambassador Lu and our U.S. Embassy staff in the same room? Check it out. Happy holidays to everyone!
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 31 December, 2016 | Topics:
Events, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania, Video
The Toys for Tots collection is a popular Christmas charity sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and implemented in Albania by the U.S. Embassy’s Marine Security Guard Detachment. Last month, U.S. Marines brought some holiday cheer to children with Down Syndrome and Autism in the Kombinat Center. The pictures tell the story better than words ever ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 December, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On December 16, members of the American Corner Vlora visited the Embassy. They met with the Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander and two of our newest Marines. They learned about the work it takes to become a Marine and what life is like for them overseas. Ambassador Lu talked about his time in Vlora and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 December, 2016 | Topics:
Embassy, Events
On December 12th a group of English language students from Selita visited the Embassy. They met our Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander and learned about the role of the Marines in U.S. missions worldwide as well as the hard work and dedication that the job requires. They discussed exchange programs and resources to improve their ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 December, 2016 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Events
On December 6th a group of students from Matosh Uka high school in Fierze, Tropoja visited the Embassy under the Meet America program. The students had a chance to meet with our Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander and learned about the life of a marine and how they are trained to defend their country and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 December, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On November 16th, Ryan Roberts Chief of the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section gave a presentation on the “U.S. Presidential Elections and Foreign Policy” at the journalism department of the Tirana State University. The students asked great questions about the role that media plays during the election process in America, how the U.S. embassy in Tirana ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 November, 2016 | Topics:
Events, Public Affairs
On October 27th, U.S. Embassy Tirana joined Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Program by reading The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, by Julia Sarcone-Roach, to over 270 students from nine different schools in Tirana, Vlora and Fier, all in one day. Read for the Record inspires adults to read with children, spurs policymakers and organizations to ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 October, 2016 | Topics:
Events
In October high school students and representatives of the local government from Patos visited the embassy. They had a chance to meet with two of our Marine Security Guards and learned about their life as Marines and how they defend their country. The students met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer and talked about U.S. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 21 October, 2016 | Topics:
Events
Q: I’m Merxhan. I have finished my journalism studies. I am preparing for my diploma. May I start? We wanted to know about your attitude and your opinion about the cannabis situation in Albania and the political debate related to it. Thank you. A: The United States Government has pressed the government of Albania and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 23 September, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events
On September 7th, the representatives of the Shkoder Football Club for youth visited the embassy for the Meet America program. They met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer and discussed working at the Embassy, educational opportunities, and soccer in the United States. Ambassador Donald Lu spoke about his impressions of playing soccer when he was ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 September, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On July 28th, students from “Fuat Babani” high school in Bilisht visited the Embassy for the Meet America program. They met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer and discussed their experience at the Albanian Model UN conference while representing the United States. Ambassador Donald Lu spoke about the Albanian people’s success with the judicial reform ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 July, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On July 15, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Muniz, Adjutant General of New Jersey National Guard Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff, Albanian Land Forces Commander Brigadier General Nazmi Cahani, Defense Attaché Office, Commander Samuel Wartell, LTC Johnston, Chief of Office of Defense Cooperation, and Bilateral Affairs Office at the Office of Defense Cooperation, Major ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 July, 2016 | Topics:
Events
“It is like being in the United States” said one of the students who visited the embassy on June 1st 2016. A group of students from several elementary and high schools in Kukes visited the embassy under the Meet America program. The students and their teachers were welcomed by Ambassador Donald Lu, who talked about ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 1 July, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On June 17th, the K S Flamurtari girls’ volleyball team from Vlora visited the U.S. Embassy. They met with Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts and learned what the Public Diplomacy section does, including outreach, press, and culture and education programs. The girls also met Ambassador Lu and talked to him about their city, their passion ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 17 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On June 15, students from “Gjergj Pekmezi” high school in Pogradec visited the Embassy for the Meet America program. They met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer and a Political Officer and discussed working at the Embassy, educational opportunities, and volunteering. Ambassador Donald Lu spoke about his impressions of living and working in Albania as ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events
“The Albanians who have studied in the United States have made a big impact here in Albania and in America. When you talk to them today, listen to their advice, learn from their experience,” Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts told more than three hundred high school and university students attending the First Alumni College Fair. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On May 18th, a group of school students from “Babe Dudë Karbunara” high school in Berat visited the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. Allegra Hernandez, from the Regional Security Office talked to them about her experience as a student in the U.S. and what study opportunities are available to international students. The students met with Ambassador ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 18 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On May 17th, a diverse group of primary and high school students from ten different schools in Elbasan visited the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. The Education Regional Directorate representatives accompanied the students to the embassy and made sure that every school was included in this program. Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts, talked to them about ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 17 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On May 13th Ambassador Lu visited the American Corner Vlora where he met with the Girls Volleyball team “Flamurtari”. The Ambassador was welcomed by the Director of the Cultural Center Mr. Dhimitraq Furxhi and the Library Director Mr. Clirim Hoxha. The coaches of the volleyball team and the girls shared their ideas and opinions about ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 13 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
To mark the World Oceans Day, Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts hosted a screening of the documentary film “Chasing Ice,” which shows the impact of global warming on glaciers, our oceans, and the planet. Following the screening, the 25 students in attendance held a lively discussion and a Q&A session with the film’s director, Mr. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
The regional officer for the American Corners, Stacia Clifton, visited Albania in mid-May. Ms. Clifton visited all three Corners in Tirana, Vlora and Kukes, where she met with groups of high school students and spoke to them about the role of women at home and at work. Students and members of the Corners exchanged ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On May 6, a group of students from “3 dhjetori” school in Shkodër visited U.S. Embassy in Tirana. They met with Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Ryan Roberts, who complimented them for the beautiful crafts they had created. The students shared their thoughts about sports, folk music, poetry and drawing. They sang a few songs and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts visited the Wilson School in Tirana in early May. The school is focused on English education, and places an emphasis on Albanian-American relationships. This year, the students focused on the First Lady Michelle Obama
“Let’s Move” initiative and planted a vegetable garden where students grow veggies and herbs. After a tour of ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 May, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On April 27th, the Innovative and Enterprise club of Epoka University in Tirana visited the U.S. embassy. They were first given a tour of the embassy compound, including the Rose Garden and the memorial dedicated to the first Albanian staff members of the embassy: Kole Kuqali and Loni Adami. Ambassador Donald Lu met with the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events
Today, more than 60 students from various high schools of Tirana volunteered to clean up the area around the Dajti mountain park to celebrate Earth Day. As part of the Embassy-funded project, “I clean, you clean, Albania rolls in the green!”, YES Alumni, Fulbright and Peace Corps Volunteers in cooperation with the Educational Directorate and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On April 20th, a group of students from “Ali Demi” elementary school in Tirana visited the Embassy. The students met with the Public Affairs Officer Mr. Ryan Roberts who talked to them about his experience as a student when he was their age and how much he enjoys working in Albania. Ambassador Donald Lu met ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 20 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events
Shumë urime më shumë se 140 nxënësve të shkollave të mesme nga Berati që dolën vullnetarë për të pastruar zonën rreth kalasë më 8 Prill 2016! Si pjesë e projektit të financuar nga Ambasada Amerikane, “Unë dhe ti le të pastrojmë, Shqipërinë ta gjelbërojmë”, YES Alumni Albania, Fulbright dhe vullnetarë të Korpusit të Paqes në ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On April 6th, a group of students from Alen School in Fier visited the Embassy. The students met with the Public Affairs Officer Mr. Ryan Roberts who talked to them about the U.S. Embassy in general and the specific programs of the Public Affairs Office including the education system in the United States. Ambassador Donald ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On March 15, Chargé d’Affaires David Muniz visited Marin Barleti University where he held an interesting discussion with Law, Economics and Political Science students on the 25th Anniversary of the reestablishment of the U.S. – Albanian diplomatic relations. Chargé d’Affaires Muniz talked about how the relationship of our two countries has grown steadily, in terms ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 March, 2016 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Events
Kudos to the more than 100 high school students from Elbasan who volunteered to clean up Kraste on March 12! As part of the Embassy-funded project, “I clean, you clean, Albania rolls in the green!”, American Councils and YES Alumni will visit seven cities in Albania to organize clean-ups and improve their communities. Want to get involved? ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 March, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On March 9th, a group of students from Ismail Qemali university in Vlora visited the Embassy. During their visit they met with Ms. Rayna Farnsworth from the Embassy’s Consular Section, who discussed the regulations relating student visas and how to prepare for the visa interview. Ambassador Donald Lu met with the students and talked to ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 March, 2016 | Topics:
Events
Deputy Chief of Mission David Muniz and Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana attended a round table discussion that brought together five Albanian journalists who traveled to Belgrade in January and five Serb journalists who visited Tirana this week in an exchange program seeking to help overcome stereotypes in both ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 3 March, 2016 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Events
On February 26th, a group of students from Numani high school visited the Embassy for the Meet America program. They learned about various outreach programs and met with Allegra Hernandez from the Regional Security Office and Ambassador Donald Lu. The students also heard about opportunities for study in the United States and discussed the recent ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 February, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On February 17th, a group of high school students from Pogradec visited the Embassy for the Meet America program. They met with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer Meghan McGill and Ambassador Donald Lu. The students learned about the U.S. priorities in Albania and shared some of their current projects, such as the book they wrote ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 17 February, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On February 14, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry visited Tirana, Albania, where he met with senior government leaders to discuss Albania’s further Euro-Atlantic integration and strong bilateral cooperation with the United States. “The people of this country know full well and want to live in a place that where the rule of law means ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 February, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On February 5th, a group of high school students from Rreshen visited the Embassy to meet with the Assistant Public Affairs Officer and Ambassador Lu. They spoke to the Ambassador about their current projects to empower women and girls. These include the “Let Girls Learn” and “He for She” initiatives, which have been enthusiastically embraced ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 February, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On Tuesday Regional Educational Advising Coordinator Cheryl Francisconi visited the
American Corner Vlora . She and two EducationUSA advisors met with a group of high school students from Ali Demi high school and gave a presentation on education opportunities in the United States, scholarships, and how to find the right school. Interested in learning more about studying in ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 February, 2016 | Topics:
Events
Director of the Global Health Communication Center of the Indiana University School orepresentatives f Liberal Arts and Professor of Communication Studies John Sprowl visited Albania in February. Professor Sprowl met with of Public Health institutions and the Ministry of Health as well as journalism and communication students from several universities in Albania. He discussed the importance ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 1 February, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On January 29, a group of girls between 10 and 18 years old under the mentorship of Peace Corps Volunteer Adrian Horner and Information Officer Meredith Hemiestra, started the Technovation Club Tirana. As a part of the global Technovation Challenge, this group will compete with other groups around the world to develop the most interesting ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 29 January, 2016 | Topics:
Events
On January 11, a group of students and their professor from Hastings College in Nebraska visited the Embassy. As part of their trip through the Balkans, they were in Albania to learn about its unique culture and history. The students met with Public Affairs Office Ryan Roberts and learned about public diplomacy in Albania. Ambassador ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 January, 2016 | Topics:
Events
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce the launch of the 2016 GIST (Global Innovation through Science and Technology) Technology Idea (Tech-I) Competition. Tech-I is part of the GIST Initiative and an annual global pitch competition which seeks to identify and select, train, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 December, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On December 14th, a group of high school students from Liceu Jordan Misja in Tirana visited the Embassy. The students met with several officers who are also musicians and talked about educational and professional prospects in that field. They also met Deputy Chief of Mission David Muniz and discussed the U.S. Mission in Albania, Foreign ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 December, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On December 12th, the Outdoor Ambassadors Club from Pogradec visited the Embassy for the Meet America program. They met with APAO Meghan McGill, who discussed the many educational opportunities and exchange programs that the Embassy offers for students of their age. The Club members also spoke to the Embassy’s Vice Consul about visas. Ambassador Lu ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 December, 2015 | Topics:
Events
In the framework of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a group of students from the Institute for Students with Sight Impairment visited the Embassy. They were accompanied by their teachers and a group of YES Alumni who volunteer at the Institute. The students discussed their dreams with Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts and met ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 December, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On December 4th, a group of high school students from Vlora came to Tirana to visit the Embassy. The students met with several officers and learned about educational opportunities, exchange programs, and security at the embassy. They also met Ambassador Lu and discussed the U.S. Mission in Albania. Check out the photos on our Facebook ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 4 December, 2015 | Topics:
Events
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana participated in the annual National Book Fair with the theme “We the People – The Americans Who Changed the Course of History”. The Embassy pavilion showcased reading material, discussions, and information about studying in the United States. Each day, participants of all ages learned about citizen activists who made a ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 November, 2015 | Topics:
Events
The U.S. Embassy’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program recently hosted an “Advanced Small Boat Operations” course taught by U.S. Coast Guard instructors at the Delta Force facility in Vlore. 15 Albanian Border Police and Coast Guard officers were trained to develop and implement a preventive maintenance program for vessels. They also learned ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 November, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons Randy Berry visited Albania October 30-November 2. SE Berry emphasized that LGBTI rights are not just an Albanian or American issue, but a global issue. He met with government officials, activists, and attended the “LGBT Auditorium”, hosted by the Ombudsman. During his visit, SE Berry praised ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 November, 2015 | Topics:
Events
According to estimates, over 4,000 domestic violence cases were reported in Albania in 2014 and about 3,000 such cases from January-September this year. What are you doing to improve the future for Albanian women? “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” was the final message from Scott Jenkins, a retired police ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 October, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On October 27, Ambassador Lu joined a huge turnout of local participants and members of the Embassy community in the fifth annual Albanian “Breast Cancer Awareness Walk”, organized by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Albania. The event was supported by the U.S. Embassy, the Ministry of Health, the Institute of Public Health, the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 October, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On October 27th, Ambassador Lu visited the city of Kukes. He met with Mayor Bashkim Shehu and visited the American Corner. At the Corner, he met with students and learned about its fantastic programs, including the Outdoor Ambassadors Club, the Art Club, the Book Club, and the Kids Club. Ambassador Lu answered questions about his ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 October, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Students and teachers from the elementary school of Paftal in Berat visited the U.S. Embassy Tirana and met with Ambassador Donald Lu as part of the Meet America program. Ambassador Lu had a lively discussion about the history of their village. The students learned about the Embassy’s diverse outreach programs and the role of the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 October, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On October 7th, a group of Planet Center kids visited the American Corner in Tirana to be part of the Reading Hour. The Director of the National Library Ms. Persida Asllani and Assistant Public Affairs Officer Meghan McGill welcomed the kids to the American Corner. Meghan read books from the Corner’s Scholastic Collection, including “Ruby ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 October, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Judy Heumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. State Department visited Tirana October 4-6. SA Heumann attended a regional conference on disability rights organized by Ndihmoni Jeten from Albania and HandiKos from Kosovo. She also met with business leaders, NGOs, and government officials, including Prime Minister Rama. U.S. Ambassador Donald Lu ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 October, 2015 | Topics:
Events
From 27-30 September, the Public Affairs Section invited former astronaut Marsha Ivins to share her experience with the Albanian audience. Ms. Ivins, a veteran of five Space Shuttle missions—in 1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, and 2001—has spent a total of 55 days in orbit, on missions devoted to such diverse tasks as deploying satellites, conducting scientific ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 September, 2015 | Topics:
Events
A group of members from the American Corner Vlora and students of the International School in Vlora visited the USS Porter Ship. Accompanied by the Public Affairs Officer Ryan Roberts the students took a boat to the ship and then had a special tour of the USS Porter. The ship crew and the sailors talked ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 September, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Victoria Nuland, visited Tirana today and met with President Nishani, Prime Minister Rama, Foreign Minister Bushati, and Democratic Party Chair Basha. They discussed a broad range of bilateral issues that form part of the U.S-Albania Strategic Partnership, including security, defense, and energy issues. In addition, they ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 13 July, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Ambassador Donald Lu attends the Youth Political Academy in Korce with the participation of members of youth forums of the political parties, and local youth activists. The event is one in a series of regional political academies organized by the Albanian Institute for International Studies as part of their Embassy Democracy Commission funded project, which ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 June, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On June 7-8, the U.S. Embassy welcomed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Hoyt Yee, who visited Tirana as part of a regional tour. Mr. Yee met with Prime Minister Rama, Speaker of Parliament Meta, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bushati, and Democratic Party Chair Basha. In his meetings, Mr. Yee reiterated ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 June, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On May 27, Ambassador Lu together with Minister of Interior Tahiri spoke at the annual security conference “Religious Radicalism and Extremism as a Security Threat: The Case of Albania and the Western Balkans” organized by the Albanian Institute for International Studies with the support of the NATO Public Diplomacy Division. In his remarks Ambassador Lu ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 May, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Sponsored by the US Embassy, Ms. Gail Milissa Grant writer, public speaker and former US diplomat visited Tirana for a two day program in honor of Black History Month. During her visit, Milissa met high school students at Ismail Qemali School, as well as students of Tirana University and European University of Tirana and spoke ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 February, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On January 27th a group of “Andon Zako Çajupi” high school in Tirana visited the U.S. Embassy. This group of students is also one of the teams in the upcoming Model UN conference. Accompanied by their team leaders Peace Corps Professor Marty Feess and English Language teacher Albana Koci, the students visited the Information Resource ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana was pleased to join EDS Foundation in promoting the “Hour of Code” initiative and give the opportunity to Albanian students to learn computer science. Michael McCord, the Information Management Specialist from the Embassy’s Information Programs Office visited Fan Noli Middle School in Tirana to teach coding to students. Mr. McCord ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On January 22nd, Ambassador Donald Lu met with Prime Minister Edi Rama. During their meeting they affirmed the long, historic friendship between the United States and Albania, and recognized our shared values. During the meeting, the two discussed a range of critical issues where our countries work side-by-side to advance peace and prosperity throughout the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Ambassador Donald Lu met with Interior Minister of Interior Saimir Tahiri on January 20. During the meeting, the Ambassador and Minister Tahiri appreciated the longstanding, close ties between the United States and Albania. One of the United States’ key priorities is to support reforms and policies that will enhance Albania’s integration into European and Euro-Atlantic ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 20 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
Ambassador Lu met with Defense Minister Mimi Kodheli on January 16. During the meeting, the Ambassador conveyed the appreciation of the United States for Albania’s support as a NATO Ally, its important contributions to our common mission in Afghanistan, and its international leadership in countering ISIL and terrorism. During their meeting they affirmed the long, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
In order to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy worked with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth and the Partners Albania organization to develop a project on youth entrepreneurship. Made possible through a $90,000 grant from the U.S. Department of State, the project consists of two main components: ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On January 15, Ambassador Donald Lu met with Democratic Party Chairman Lulzim Basha. During their meeting they affirmed the long, historic friendship between the United States and Albania, and recognized our shared values. The Ambassador stressed the United States’ firm support for Albania’s continuing Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and our commitment to helping Albania achieve those aspirations. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On January 14, Ambassador Donald Lu had his first meeting with Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati. Both agreed that the United States and Albania have a strong and enduring friendship and they would like to see our relationship grow even stronger. During the meeting, the two discussed a range of critical issues where our countries work ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On January 14, Ambassador Donald Lu met with Speaker of Parliament Ilir Meta. During their meeting they affirmed the long, historic friendship between the United States and Albania, and possibilities for deepening relations. The Ambassador conveyed the appreciation of the United States for Albania’s support as a NATO Ally, important contributions to our common mission ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 January, 2015 | Topics:
Events
On July 18th, Ambassador Alexander A. Arvizu hosted the U.S. Embassy’s Iftar dinner, in honor of Albania’s Muslim community. World Bektashi Leader Baba Mondi, Chairman of the Albanian Islamic Community Skender Brucaj, Minister of Social Welfare and Youth Erion Veliaj, muftis from various cities and representatives from civil society were some of the distinguished guests ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 18 July, 2014 | Topics:
Events
On June 12th, 60 students from all over Albania gathered in the Embassy Tirana to compete in the 5th Annual Spelling Bee contest. After a warming-up round, the students started to spell the words in front of a panel of three American judges. The panel consisted of APAO Brian Street, Management Officer John Madden and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 June, 2014 | Topics:
Events
On June 11, representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana traveled to Zall-Bastar, a village in a remote area outside Tirana. USAID traveled to Zall-Bastar to distribute “Alpine” goats to 20 women in the Zall-Bastar Commune as part of a USAID Albania project to empower local women. The Public Affairs Office, through its Information Resource ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 June, 2014 | Topics:
Events
Last week, U.S. Ambassador, Alexander Arvizu, and the Australian Ambassador to Albania, Mike Rann, participated in a special ceremony to provide 32 women with an Alpine goat. The goats are provided through USAID and Australian grants to provide sustainable livelihoods for rural families in the remote, mountainous villages in the district of Tirana. USAID is ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 June, 2014 | Topics:
Events
On May 27, Ambassador Arvizu, joined by OSCE Ambassador Raunig, hosted a small reception as a pre-departure event for the group of women parliamentarians traveling to the US to participate in the IVLP “Women’s Empowerment” Program. Designed for the leaders and representatives of the women’s alliance in the Albanian parliament and the women’s forums of ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 May, 2014 | Topics:
Events
To celebrate International Roma Day and as part of the Roma week series of activities, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, through its Public Affairs Section and a Democracy Commission-funded project of the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA) helped organize and support the Flash-Mob “I am Roma – I am an Albanian Citizen”, with ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 April, 2014 | Topics:
Events
U.S. Ambassador Alexander A. Arvizu, UN Resident Coordinator Zineb Touimi-Benjelloun, Albanian Speaker of Parliament Ilir Meta and Minister of Education Lindita Nikolla were the keynote speakers at today’s opening ceremony in the Parliament’s Plenary Room for the 5th Albanian Model UN Conference. 121 participating high school students coming from cities throughout Albania were encouraged to ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 February, 2014 | Topics:
Events, Press Releases
As part of the Embassy Speakers Bureau Program, Political Officer Nathan Haft was the guest speaker at the Marubi Academy of Film & Multimedia, together with two other representatives of the religious community in Albania, where he spoke about International Holocaust Memorial Day. Nathan observed that the Day of Remembrance was an opportunity to remember ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 February, 2014 | Topics:
Events
On Wednesday, February 5, 2014, as part of the US Embassy Speakers’ Bureau, Gina Underwood, American Psychotherapist/Social Worker, spoke to an Organization and Behavior Class at New York University Tirana regarding Stress Management. The students actively participated in the discussion with insightful comments about their own signs of stress and ways to manage it. Discussion ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 February, 2014 | Topics:
Events
During a January 24 trip to Korce, Ambassador Arvizu and Public Affairs Officer Valerie O’Brien visited the Regional Development Agency of Korce (RDA), a successful Democracy Commission grantee. The Director of the Destination Management Organization (DMO)—another successful Democracy Commission and USAID partner—joined RDA staff in the meeting. Directors of both RDA and DMO briefed the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 January, 2014 | Topics:
Events
On January 24, Ambassador Alexander Arvizu and Public Affairs Officer Valerie O’Brien traveled to Korce where they launched the first call for proposals of the U.S. Embassy’s Democracy Commission Small Grants Program for 2014. The event brought together civil society organizations and local government representatives of Korça, Pogradec, Erseke and Devoll districts. While addressing the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 January, 2014 | Topics:
Events
On January 28th, as part of the Embassy’s Speakers Bureau program, the ACT NOW Coordinator Elizabeth Barnhart had a very stimulating presentation with students of the Foreign Languages High School on Corruption and its effect on the society. Her presentation laid the ground for an interactive discussion with students on the causes of public corruption, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 January, 2014 | Topics:
Events
