Thank you very much! I am very glad that we found a way to do this meeting together even though COVID-19 is preventing us from meeting in person. It is a very challenging time and so your willingness and ability to adapt is more important than ever. This is a difficult time for everyone. There …
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Sokol Balla: Albania is a strange country even when it comes to its history. We practically do not have the Declaration of Independence. We’ve lost it. We don’t have the Independence Day flag, either. It’s been stolen. And we do not have the building where independence was declared either because it has been destroyed. There …
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Good Morning Prime Minister Rama, Mayor Veliaj, Ambassador Gendler, and distinguished guests. It is an honor to dedicate this memorial in honor of the people of Albania who risked their lives to protect the Jews of Europe. After Hitler’s rise to power, Albanian families sheltered hundreds of Jewish people from around Europe, saving them from …
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Good morning. It is a pleasure to be here today alongside AmCham President Enio Jaco, Minister Eduard Shalsi, Jorida Tabaku, and Matteo Colangeli of the EBRD for the release of AmCham’s 2020 Business Index assessing CEO and executive opinions on the business climate in Albania from AmCham member companies. I am here today because I …
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This week, I had a chance to visit Kruja, the fortress of Albania’s hero, Skanderbeg. Facing attack after attack by the most formidable military force in the world at that time, Skanderbeg did not surrender. Instead, he united the country, refused to give up, and in the end prevailed against all odds. Four years ago, …
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Minister Margariti, honored guests, good morning and thank you for joining us. Today, we mark the start of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Project to restore cultural sites damaged by the November 26th earthquake in Krujë, Durrës, and Prezë. Since its creation in 2001, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided financial …
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Are you a student who wants to help combat corruption? Apply to be a part of the investigative journalism lab! Selected students who demonstrate passion and courage for independent, investigative journalism will participate in a mentoring program and write investigative stories on important issues in Albania. Cutting-edge equipment and journalism training will be provided by …
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Ambassador Yuri Kim, thank you for the opportunity of this first interview. I had the pleasure to meet you during a small introductory meeting with members of the Albanian-American community in New York, in February. It feels as if it took place in another world. To what extent has the COVID-19 crisis affected, if not …
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* Minister Xhaçka, General Kollçaku, and Distinguished Guests, First, I would like to thank our host Lieutenant Colonel Dulemata for welcoming me to Farka Air Base, the future home of the Blackhawks. I hope this will be the first of many visits to Albanian military facilities as we continue to expand and deepen our defense …
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Ilva Tare: Kam të ftuar sot ambasadoren e Shteteve të Bashkuara në Tiranë, Yuri Kim. Madam Ambassador, thank you very much for being at Euronews Albania, in what makes me very happy to be your first interview at Euronews Albania, in this country. One month after your arrival to Albania, the country went into quarantine mode because of coronavirus. How was the experience of working under such restrictions? Ambassador Kim: First of …
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Faleminderit shumë! It’s a great pleasure to be here today! Thank you Mr. Çela for inviting us all to join you for this event. I appreciated your comments very much! And Luigi, thank you also for your comments! Once again, I find myself in agreement. And I have to say, first of all, Luigi is …
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*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 …
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President Meta, Speaker Ruci, Esteemed Ministers, Members of Parliament, Distinguished Guests, Thank you all for joining me tonight. I have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome I have received in Albania. I can see that the legend of Albania’s hospitality is simply a statement of fact! Before departing Washington for Tirana, I took the opportunity …
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Good afternoon. This morning, I presented my credentials to President Meta as the new U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Albania. The President and I had a good conversation about the longstanding friendship between our two nations, and we reconfirmed our shared commitment to strengthen relations between our two nations. I am honored that President …
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President Meta, Speaker Ruçi, People’s Advocate Ballanca, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Speech is a gift. It is a talent that only humans possess. It allows us to express love and hope. It is the vehicle for us to dream, scheme, and put in motion grand designs. But speech can also give voice to fear, …
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The United States sends its deepest condolences to all the families and communities affected by the November 26th earthquake in Albania. As Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses-Ones said during a visit to the affected region, “This tragedy has touched our hearts profoundly. Please know that you have a friend and a supportive ally in the …
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As Albania solemnly commemorates its Independence Day, we offer our deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in this week’s earthquake. Today, our prayers are with their families, as well as those injured. On behalf of the American people, we wish all of those affected a speedy recovery. Now, as in other difficult times, …
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Distinguished participants and guests, It is a pleasure to be here to celebrate Vatra organization’s 20th anniversary this evening, and also to receive this amazing distinction on behalf of the United States Embassy! Thank you so much! And thank you to my incredible team of professionals who have worked, some for 20 years, alongside Vatra! …
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Honorable Minister Denaj and Deputy Minister Kospiri, honorable guests: I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the achievements of ADRF’s nine-year-long, “Economic Empowerment of People with Disabilities” project – EEPD. The United States Government, through USAID, supported the EEPD project because America is committed to helping Albania strengthen its rule of law and …
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Your Excellency President Meta, Speaker Ruci, honorable guests: I feel privileged to be here this morning to address you. I am here because both Americans and Albanians share the belief that, regardless of gender, all people are equally articulate, brave, creative, and intelligent, and because both nations share the view that, regardless of gender, all …
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Good Morning Deputy Minister Kuko, Chairman Spahiu, religious leaders, distinguished guests. It is my honor to be here with you today. Allow me to begin by expressing my enthusiasm for the inauguration of the AIC’s community building program. Together we launched this project in 2015 to thwart extremist groups and protect Albania’s democracy. Because of …
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Good morning Minister Lleshaj, Minister Manastirliu, Deputy Minister Voda, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. I am honored to speak to all of you who are devoted to the great cause of ending human trafficking. It goes without saying that human traffickers are clever. They adapt. They try to stay one step ahead of justice. But even …
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Dear Prime Minister Rama, Ambassador Shannon, Ambassador Soreca, and Ambassador Zuzul, Mr. Serwer and Professor Dr. Angjeli, it is truly an honor to take part in this conference. I am sitting next to a giant of U.S. diplomacy and it is a big honor for me today to be sitting next to my former Under …
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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 …
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Good Morning. I am delighted to see so many people here today who have embraced the spirit of volunteerism, activism, and civic responsibility. I am also glad to see so many organizations represented at the second annual National Advocacy Day. Strengthening Albania’s democracy is one of the U.S. government’s highest priorities in Albania. The U.S. …
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Good morning Mrs. Gjini, Chairman Granoff, Junior Achievement Albania Director Bala, rectors, and students. It is a pleasure to be here today to launch the National Debating Economics Program, supported by the U.S. Embassy through our Democracy Commission. The Debating Economics program aims to help build an active and informed public by educating students in …
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* Chairman of the Trustees Mr Granoff, Trustees of the Albanian-American Development Foundation, and Honorable Guests: On behalf of the United States Mission to Albania and the U.S. Government, I am privileged to attend this celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Albanian-American Development Foundation. Happy anniversary! Of course tonight we are applauding the great …
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Good evening. I am delighted to be here with you tonight on the eve of the International Day of the Girl, which we celebrate on October 11th each year. In 2012, the United Nations established this day to highlight the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment around the world. The theme this year …
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Distinguished Deputy Prime Minister Brace, members of cabinet, members of Parliament, dear mayors, dear deputy ministers, members of the donor community, and distinguished guests. Allow me to take a moment to express the United States’ solidarity with the Albanian people in the wake of last weekend’s earthquake. It has been an unsettling past several days, …
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Good morning. ASP Director Veliu, Director Nano, thank you for inviting me here today to participate in the final Antiterrorism Assistance Training Course of the year. Congratulations to all of today’s graduates! During the past year, you have deepened your knowledge of investigations and, with the assistance of the American trainers and mentors, have used …
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High Judicial Council Chair Llagami, Director Sadushi, School of Magistrates Faculty, distinguished guests and chancellors, thank you all for being with us today at this important event. Today we are here to recognize another step forward towards implementing judicial reform in Albania: the successful completion of the Summer Court Administration Program*. Reform of Albania’s judiciary …
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Minister Xhaçka, General Kollçaku, distinguished guests. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. I could easily fill my time today listing all the line items of donations and cooperation among our defense establishments. Believe me, the list is long. It includes armored vehicles for your Light Infantry Battalion Group, a Cyber Response …
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Minister Gjonaj, distinguished guests, It is a pleasure to be here today to mark the 3rd anniversary of the passing of Justice Reform and the inauguration of this building that will house the High Prosecutorial Council, the High Judicial Council, and the School of Magistrates. July 21, 2016 began with expectations of a morning vote …
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President Meta, Speaker Ruçi, Ministers and Members of the Parliament, Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, guests: It is an honor and a privilege for me, along with all our Embassy colleagues, to be joined this evening by our close friends and partners to celebrate 243 years of American independence and freedom. A warm welcome to …
Read More» Are you a student who wants to help combat corruption? Apply to be a part of the investigative journalism lab! Selected students who demonstrate passion and courage for independent, investigative journalism will participate in a mentoring program and write investigative stories on important issues in Albania. Cutting-edge equipment and journalism training will be provided by …
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Mr. Palmer, from your last visit in Albania with the regard of Albanian political crisis, has anything changed in your position? The U.S. position has not changed regarding the political situation in Albania. The burning of parliamentary mandates, the boycotting of elections, the violence we have seen in politically-organized rallies are fundamentally at odds with …
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We welcome the European Commission’s recommendation for opening accession talks with Albania and its recognition that Albania continues to make progress in implementing crucial and irreversible reforms. The United States remains committed to working with our Albanian and EU partners to ensure Albania’s successful EU integration, including our full support for the ongoing implementation of …
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President Meta, Minister Xhaçka, honorable ambassadors, and distinguished guests, friends and colleagues. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you on a topic we all hold dear: security challenges in the Balkans during the Euro-Atlantic transition. I will spend my brief minutes with you this morning discussing two of these security challenges: external threats …
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Honorable Deputy Speaker Hysi, Deputy Minister Treni, Coordinator Sojati, Mr. Hroni, distinguished guests. It is my honor to be here with you today. Allow me to begin today by congratulating not only IDM for the conclusion of the successful pilot, “Schools as Community Centers,” but also to all those who helped ensure the program’s success. …
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Albanians are very interested in work visas. However, they have little information about it. Can you tell us about it? The work visas are divided into immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. With an employment-based immigrant visa, the foreign national will be issued the residency permit, also known as the “green card,” and will be able to …
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Good morning. First, I would like to thank Chief Prosecutor Elizabeta Imeraj, Mr. Maasen, Mr. Mandoi, Ms. Jansen, Ms. Mehmeti and all of you. It is a true honor for me to be here with you today. I am very grateful to the Tirana Prosecution Office for organizing today’s event. You have probably heard time …
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Thank you to the University of Tirana’s Journalism Department for having us today. Today is a very important day around the world and specifically for you, as journalism students. It marks World Press Freedom Day. On this day, we celebrate the fundamental principles that are at the core of democracy and at the core of …
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There is no question that, over the past two decades, Albania has made tremendous progress in strengthening its economic and democratic foundations. USAID has been proud to support these efforts, and we continue to do so. Further progress demands continued commitment to justice reform. The Albanian people deserve transparent institutions, especially independent judicial institutions that …
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Honorable Guests, Coordinator Sojati, distinguished guests, it is my honor to be here with you today. Let me begin by congratulating the Albanian government, in the form of the National Countering Violent Extremism Center led by Agron Sojati. The Albanian government is a regional leader in countering and preventing violent extremism. The U.S. Embassy is …
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AmCham Chairman Crawford, Board Members, Deputy Minister Haxhi, AmCham Members, Friends, and Colleagues: Good evening. It’s an honor to be here tonight. I’d like to start by bidding farewell to Mark Crawford, the Chamber’s outgoing chairman, and Enida Bezhani, AmCham’s former executive director. On behalf of the United States Embassy, allow me to extend my …
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Good afternoon. First, I would like to extend my thanks to Rector Gjana for inviting me to speak with you all today. My message today is this: speak the truth. When asked to come today, I was asked to address freedom of the press, the relationship between media and politics and challenges faced by Albanian …
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Anila Hoxha: Mr. Palmer, what does justice reform represent for the U.S. Government in Albania and what assistance does it plan for the next steps of justice reform? DAS Palmer: Thank you for having me here and thank you for that question. Justice reform for the United States represents a path forward for the Albanian …
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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, …
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(In Albanian) Dear Peace Corps trainees, Peace Corps employees, and host families, Good morning. I would like to start by thanking the host families for welcoming Peace Corps trainees into your homes. Soon, these trainees will take an oath in which they will promise to share American culture with an open heart and open mind, but …
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Minister Xhacka, General Kollcaku, General Mullai, members of the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF), and distinguished guests. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to be here with you today. It is an honor to partake in this commemorative ceremony. A ceremony that exemplifies the United States Governments commitment to stronger ties with Albania, and is …
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Minister Lleshaj, General Director Veliu, distinguished members of the Albanian State Police, members of the U.S. Embassy Tirana and friends, (In Albanian) I appreciate this opportunity to mark this significant milestone in the modernization of the Albanian State Police. I am proud to celebrate the continued success of the close partnership between the Albanian State …
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Deputy Prime Minister, Agency Representatives, Mayors, distinguished guests, Pershendetje! Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. The work you are doing is building the promise for a better and brighter future in Albania, for all Albanians. The United States is proud to contribute to that effort. Together, we are laying the foundation for …
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Good morning everyone, dear Deputies, dear Ministers, dear distinguished members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests, friends and colleagues. As I begin these remarks, I want to take you back to April 4, 1949, the day the United States formally tied its safety and security to that of Europe for the first time. …
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You are a prosecutor by profession and I think this period in Albania has been enough to understand the difficulties of Albanian prosecutors, the kind of work they do here. What do you think is their main obstacle, their main difficulty they face in their work? I know you have been assisting some prosecutors from …
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The U.S. Embassy in Tirana welcomes the establishment of the High Prosecutorial Council and the High Judicial Council. We congratulate the prosecutors and judges who took part in the voting for their courage and for choosing to change Albania’s history. The formation of the Councils marks a crucial step in the implementation of Albania’s justice …
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Good morning and thank you to OSHEE CEO, Mr. Adrian Cela. I am honored to be here for this MoU signing and to mark the newest stage of partnership between our two governments. Not long ago, Albania faced a real energy crisis. Power outages, high import prices, and energy losses estimated as high as 45 …
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People’s Advocate Ballanca, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. This past summer, several of my Embassy colleagues attended a ceremony at the site of the former communist labor camp in Tepelena. They gathered there with many others, including several of you here today, to honor the former inmates of that camp. During that ceremony, President Meta …
Read More» An independent, accountable, and professional judiciary will benefit Albanian citizens who have overwhelmingly expressed support for justice sector reform. A fully functioning justice system is also in the clear interest of Albanian judges and prosecutors. We call on Albanian judges and prosecutors to ensure a free and transparent election process for magistrates in the High Prosecutorial …
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This year, the U.S. Embassy has called upon honest, patriotic judges and prosecutors with integrity to serve their country on the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council. With the formation of these justice institutions on the horizon, Albania is on the verge of creating a justice system that truly serves the interests of its …
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Prosecutor General Marku, students and faculty of the School of Magistrates, In December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 54/134, proclaiming November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day is the official start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a yearly campaign where we …
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On behalf of the United States government and the American people, I congratulate the people of Albania as you celebrate your Independence Day. As you commemorate your 106 years of independence, we in America celebrate and recognize our enduring friendship with Albania. The United States values Albania’s commitment to NATO and the Global Coalition to …
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Download the full resolution Independence Day poster here .
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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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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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MS NAUERT: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the State Department. Thank you for coming in so early this morning for the unveiling of the International Religious Freedom Report . I’d like to first introduce Secretary Pompeo, who will give some brief remarks and an announcement. And then Ambassador Sam Brownback, who is our global ambassador for religious freedom, will …
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Minister Ahmetaj, Minister Nikolla, Amb. Ndisi, Mr. Ilirjani, Director Micko, Ms. Laçi, dear graduates, One of my first jobs was as a baker. It was my first year in university and I woke up every day at five in the morning and learned to bake bread, cookies, pies and cakes. It was a great job …
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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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Minister Xhaçka, Director Premçi, brave men and women of the Albanian Armed Forces, Good afternoon. I come with a simple message from your American allies — We believe in the heroism of Albanian soldiers, sailors and airmen. We have seen this heroism in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in Bosnia, in Mali and in Latvia. We have …
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Rector Gjana, Professor Hajderi, Rector Teliti, religious leaders, professors, dear students, Good morning. I am joining you today to say bravo to you about your work on promoting religious tolerance. So I will begin with some comments about religious tolerance in my life and here in Albania. Then I want to talk about Holocaust Remembrance …
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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 Zylfie Braha, from “Bajram Abdiu” high school, in Bicaj, Kukes, who is currently placed at the “Three rivers” high school, in Michigan. The experience till now has been so exciting! At the begging I thought this was going to be the most exciting part but now I’m not really sure which is the most …
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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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Good morning. It is a pleasure to back in Berat. This is the second of many meetings that we are having with young people in towns across Albania. When I was asked where I might want to speak to young people, my first answer was Berat – which is probably my favorite town in Albania …
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* 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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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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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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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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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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