President Begaj receives U.S. Senator Steve Daines
The President of the Republic, H.E.Mr. Bajram Begaj received today U.S. Senator, Mr. Steve Daines, who is on an official visit to Albania. Senator Daines was accompanied in this meeting by the United States Ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim.
With reference to the excellent strategic partnership relations, President Begaj assessed that the visit of Senator Daines to Albania comes at an important moment, both bilaterally and within the framework of the dynamic developments in the Western Balkans region.
President Begaj underlined that relations with the United States of America are of primary importance for Albania and Albanians. In relation to the strong friendly and human ties, he estimated that they are multidimensional and very dynamic, and that Albania will remain a loyal ally of the United States.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the comprehensive assistance that the United States of America has given to Albania, especially in the framework of the necessary reforms to strengthen the rule of law and the consolidation of democratic institutions, where obviously, the justice reform has received the main attention.
President Begaj appreciated the close cooperation in the field of defense and security with the USA. The transformation, modernization and the high professional level that the Armed Forces possess today as worthy members of NATO, are also thanks to the contribution and support given by the USA in the field of education, equipment with modern capacities and joint exercises. The series of Defender Europe exercises, in addition to the demonstration of professional skills, operational capacities and readiness in defense of Euro-Atlantic values, is an indicator of excellent cooperation and interpersonal relations between the militaries of the two countries.
President Begaj also expressed his gratitude for the help and close cooperation between the specialized agencies of both countries in dealing with last year’s cyber attacks by actors related to Iranian state agencies, as well as informed the Senator about the – not easy, but fair decision – the termination of diplomatic relations with Iran.
Concentrating on multilateral cooperation, President Begaj particularly highlighted the excellent cooperation within the United Nations Security Council, where Albania is a non-permanent member since January 1st, 2022. President Begaj underlined that, “the joint drafting of several resolutions, especially those condemning the Russian aggression against Ukraine, but not only, demonstrated a strong belief regarding Albania, as a friendly and ally country”.
Both interlocutors also focused on the effects in many aspects, that the Russian military aggression in Ukraine has produced for security in the Western Balkans region, evidencing that the essential support that the United States of America is giving to the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, first serves the normalization of relations between the two countries, as well as sustainable peace and security in the entire region.