Good morning, everybody. Mr. President, Speaker Nikolla, Chief Justice, members of the diplomatic corps, and guests, It is a wonderful day today to be able to be with you to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Constitutional Court. Today, we mark an important milestone in Albania’s democratic evolution. The Constitutional Court is …
Read More»
VOA: Senator Shaheen, this is your second visit in the Balkans within six months. What is the purpose? Senator Shaheen: So, it’s my first trip to Albania and I have to come back to see this beautiful country. I’m really here to make sure that the people in Albania and here in the Western Balkans …
Read More»
I am very upset this morning! I will tell you why. I am very upset because I am looking through this agenda and I am realizing that there are some amazing people who are here for this conference and there are some amazing sessions planned, and I genuinely wished that I had cleared my schedule …
Read More»
Mirëmëngjes! Great to be here this morning! Let me also say what a special honor and privilege it is for me to be able to begin the celebration of a 100 years of U.S.-Albania relations in the presence of Secretary Pompeo. Secretary Pompeo, now also Doctor Pompeo, was the man who nominated me to the …
Read More»
Good afternoon, everybody! What a brilliant day to be together, among friends and allies. Minister Peleshi, Chief of Defense, General Begaj, General Tabor, General Hou and other distinguished friends and allies – it is a great, great honor to be able to stand before you today, to stand with you today on this historic occasion, …
Read More»
The world has changed because of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the outpouring of support for Ukraine over the last few days has been remarkable. We join the international call on all countries, and particularly those in Europe, to uphold international law and unequivocally reject Russia’s illegal invasion of their neighbor in Ukraine. The countries …
Read More» VOA: Mr. Escobar, events turned violent last weekend in Albania at the main headquarters of the main opposition site of the Democratic Party. What are your thoughts about what transpired that day and in general in the Democratic Party? DAS Escobar: I think it’s deplorable that anybody would resort to violence and not the ballot …
Read More»
Speaker Nikolla, Minister Xhacka, Ministers, fellow Ambassadors, and all of our distinguished guests, young and old, what a wonderful evening this is and what a great pleasure it is to be together! It is an honor to welcome you on this very special occasion, as we commemorate 30 years of renewed diplomatic relations between the …
Read More»
During a “virtual visit” to Albania April 6, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer met with President Meta, PM Rama, and DP Chair Basha to reaffirm the importance of U.S.-Albanian relations as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. They reconfirmed our shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation on democracy, …
Read More»
As Albania celebrates its National Day, I extend congratulations on behalf of the United States Government and the American people. This year, we also celebrate the European Union’s decision to open accession negotiations for Albania, a sign of the significant progress that Albania has made in implementing the reforms necessary for EU membership. We commend …
Read More»
Vizion+: Madam, thank you very much for being here. I appreciate it and it’s an honor having you here. A/S Royce: Thank you, Thimi. Vizion+: Given that this is probably your first visit to Albania, what is your first impression? A/S Royce: The first thing I want to say is how appreciative I am of …
Read More»
Today, U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach visited Tirana and met with President Ilir Meta and Prime Minister Edi Rama. During his meetings, Under Secretary Krach expressed U.S. support for Albania’s progress toward EU accession, especially in anti-corruption and rule of law efforts which, when successful, will bring in …
Read More»
It’s an honor to be here in Albania and to have an opportunity to meet you. Mr. Prime Minister, you’re quite a leader and I’m so excited to open up this next chapter and take our partnership to the next level. I don’t think there’s any other place I’d rather be than right here, right …
Read More»
*Good afternoon everyone. It is an honor to be here today representing the United States as we jointly show our support for Albania, though I wish it were under happier circumstances. I want to thank President von der Leyen and the European Commission for coordinating this Donors’ Conference. This event has galvanized international support, and …
Read More»
“Small-Scale Liquefied Natural Gas Deployment in Central and Eastern Europe” Workshop Good morning. On behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, it’s an honor to be here in Tirana today to discuss the role that LNG can play in diversifying Albania’s energy mix and strengthening Albanian energy security. Before I begin, I’d like to thank Minister …
Read More»
VOA: Mr. Andrews, thank you for this opportunity. What is the purpose of your visit? DAS Andrews: Thank you very much. It is great to be with you today. I am representing a bureau of the U.S. Department of State – the Bureau of International Law Enforcement and Narcotics Affairs. We’re responsible for implementing civilian …
Read More»
VoA: Mr. Palmer, thank you very much for being able to join this program, for this interview. DAS Palmer: Thank you for very much for having me on the show. VoA: I want to start with Albania’s President Meta announced the date for local elections in Albania, October 13th, Prime Minister Rama is insisting on …
Read More»
Thimi Samarxhiu, Vizion +: Senior U.S. officials have stated in many cases that Russia’s influence in the Western Balkans has brought instability in this region. Do you see the latest events in the region, especially Albania, affected by this influence? DAS Palmer: I think it is important to put this in a broader regional context, …
Read More»
Klodiana Lala: Ms. Millard, it is a great pleasure to have you in this interview. This is your first time in Albania. What are the most problematic issues that the U.S. Department of State sees with most concern regarding Albania? PDAS Millard: Klodiana, thank you so much for having me here today. It is a …
Read More»
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. …
Read More»
We continue to closely follow disturbing reports on April 7 regarding another alleged chemical weapons attack, this time targeting a hospital in Douma, Syria. Reports from a number of contacts and medical personnel on the ground indicate a potentially high number of casualties, including among families hiding in shelters. These reports, if confirmed, are horrifying …
Read More»
Today President Donald J. Trump ordered the expulsion of dozens of Russian intelligence officers from the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle due to its proximity to one of our submarine bases and Boeing. The United States takes this action in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners around the …
Read More»
As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8th, the United States renews our steadfast commitment to addressing inequalities between women and men at home and abroad and reaffirms the importance of advancing the status of women and girls globally. We will continue to implement measures to strengthen the economic empowerment of women and girls …
Read More»
SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Well, good morning. And I really, really appreciate this opportunity to swing down to Stanford while I was out on the West Coast and particularly to address this group. And I want to thank Stanford and the Hoover Institution and the international studies group for allowing …
Read More» Over the past year, the United States has faced immense challenges in its dealings with North Korea, China and Russia, and in its efforts to defeat international terrorism. But Americans should be encouraged by the progress the State Department and United States Agency for International Development have made in pushing for global peace and stability. …
Read More»
The United States faces a 21st century global environment that presents unconventional threats from non-state actors, as well as challenges to our economic and national security from traditional state actors. Whether the threats are rogue nations seeking nuclear weapons, terrorists plotting to attack our homeland, or malicious cyber actors seeking to damage and destabilize our …
Read More»
MODERATOR: (In progress) ladies and gentlemen, and welcome. High Representative Vice President Federica Mogherini and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson just had a bilateral meeting and will deliver press statements to update you on their discussions. High Representative, you have the floor. HIGH REPRESENTATIVE MOGHERINI: Thank you, Maja, and it’s a pleasure to welcome …
Read More»
I nderuar Kryetar i Kuvendit të Shqipërisë zoti Ruçi, e nderuar nënkryetare e Kuvendit zonja Hysi, të nderuara Deputete, të nderuar Ambasadorë, mirëmëngjes. Unë jam Carson Relitz Rocker nga Ambasada Amerikane dhe është një kënaqësi e madhe që ndodhem këtu mes jush! Ndihem e nderuar që marr pjesë në konstituimin e Aleancës së Grave Deputete. …
Read More»
On behalf of the people of the United States, I offer my best wishes to the people of Albania as you celebrate 105 years of independence. Albania is a valued friend and ally, and the United States looks forward to your continued progress towards greater Euro-Atlantic integration and EU membership. We deeply appreciate Albania’s contributions …
Read More»
by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson On October 26, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), a body established by unanimous decision of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), concluded that the Assad regime is …
Read More» 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 …
Read More»
The President’s new immigration priorities are focused on keeping Americans safe, ensuring our sovereignty through strong borders, and preserving our country as a nation of laws. The first duty of the federal government is to provide for the national security of the American people, and President Trump’s measures will end vulnerabilities in our immigration system …
Read More»
THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock, and grief. Last night, a gunman opened fire on a large crowd at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brutally murdered more than 50 people, and wounded hundreds more. It was an act of pure evil. The FBI and …
Read More»
SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, good afternoon. And I appreciate the opportunity to address the Security Council again, and I thank this month’s – this month’s chair, Ethiopia. Members of the Security Council talk often of threats to global security. The focus of today’s Security Council meeting is an issue of worldwide implications: nuclear proliferation. At a …
Read More» SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, good evening, all. I want to begin, first, by extending our condolences to all those who have suffered, continue to suffer, from the devastation from the natural disasters that we are witnessing around the Western Hemisphere. Obviously, this succession of massive hurricanes in the Caribbean are really testing, I think, the will and …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all. Prime Minister Markovic, Prime Minister Zaev, Prime Minister Brnabic, Prime Minister Cerar, Prime Minister Plenkovic, Prime Minister Rama, , President Thaci, Minister Zvizdic, distinguished guests, it is my great honor to join you today to celebrate the progress of the Western Balkans here at this historic Adriatic Charter …
Read More»
A delegation of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, visited Albania on Wednesday, where they highlighted the U.S.- Albania strategic partnership, the importance of the country’s judicial reform, and regional issues. Representatives Steve King, Matt Gaetz, Dave Trott, David Cicilline, and Peter DeFazio joined Goodlatte, who serves as the chairman of …
Read More»
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 …
Read More»