The Chairman of the Republican Party of Albania, Fatmir Mediu, co-organized the Security Forum titled “The Malicious Actions of China, Russia, and Iran in Europe” with U.S. Congressmen Pete Sessions and Robert Aderholt. The event was held at the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
With representatives from governments and parliaments of 25 countries worldwide, the forum delivered a message of solidarity among democratic nations and emphasized the need for cooperation with the new Trump administration in confronting regimes such as Russia, China, and Iran.
Republican Congressman Pete Sessions expressed his commitment, along with other lawmakers, to bring to the attention of U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio the importance of supporting the success of Western Balkan countries and shielding them from Russian and Chinese influence and disinformation.
“Secretary Rubio must ensure that this is a priority for the new administration. Donald Trump’s goal is for everyone to have a better future—not just economically, but to see America as their friend,” said Congressman Pete Sessions in an interview with Voice of America, which closely followed the Security Forum co-organized by Fatmir Mediu.
Mediu emphasized that the efforts of hostile actors like Russia, China, and Iran must be countered by strengthening communication channels between Europe and the United States.
One of the key concerns that Mediu raised specifically regarding Albania and other Balkan nations was the growing phenomenon of “Putinism” within ruling parties.
“While we discuss threats from China, Russia, and Iran, we face a real danger where authoritarianism and Putinism are becoming evident in Albania and across the Balkans. We struggle with a lack of respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, organized crime and corruption, the absence of free and fair elections, and the misuse of the judiciary as a political weapon against the opposition. Albania is a NATO member state, and this is unacceptable,” Mediu stated.
During the Security Forum, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani shared Kosovo’s expectations from President Donald Trump.
“Now that President Trump has returned to the White House, through his ‘peace through strength’ approach, it is crucial for America to demonstrate true leadership—not only toward its real friends but also toward those who are bringing Russia, China, and Iran closer to our region,” said Osmani, without directly mentioning Serbia.
The Security Forum at the U.S. Congress was attended by several U.S. Congressmen, including Keith Self, Chairman for Europe, John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Committee on China, former NATO Commander and National Security Advisor Jim Jones, Assistant Secretary of Defense Dan Fata, analyst Edward Joseph, Paul McCarthy, Director for Europe at the International Republican Institute, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, as well as MEPs, ministers, and MPs from the Balkans.
