United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to undertake an official visit to Tirana on Thursday. In a press conference, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Matthew Miller, stated that Blinken’s visit, the first to be conducted in Tirana, reaffirms the strong relationship between the two countries.
He considered Albania a key partner in the stability of the Western Balkans, as well as a strong voice in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom against the brutal aggression initiated by Russia two years ago.
“Secretary Blinken will leave tomorrow for travel to Tirana, Albania, and Munich, Germany. This will be the Secretary’s first trip to Albania, and while there, he will reaffirm the strength of the United States’ relationship with Albania. Albania has been a strong voice in support of Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and freedom against Russia’s brutal aggression. Albania was a principal leader during its tenure on the UN Security Council and as the 2020 OSCE chair and as a key partner for stability and progress in the Western Balkans,” Miller said.
“The Secretary will then travel to the Munich Security Conference as part of the delegation led by Vice President Harris. While in Munich, Secretary Blinken will hold bilateral meetings with global leaders and underscore the importance of the enduring U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance. The NATO alliance has secured a historic peace for both the United States and Europe for the past 75 years and is helping the United States maintain an edge over our adversaries for the future,” Miller highlighted among other points.
.@SecBlinken is making his first trip to Albania to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Albania relationship. He will then travel to Germany for the Munich Security Conference with @VP Harris and underscore the importance of the enduring U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance. pic.twitter.com/EItT0ktylj
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) February 14, 2024
The focus of Blinken’s visit is expected to be the future of Albania and the future of the Western Balkans.
Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Edi Rama as well as President Bajram Begaj. The American diplomat is expected to hold a meeting with young people at the Pyramid as well.
