USA-Albania, 20 years of friendship

In the ceremony organized for the 20th
anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between US
and Albania were present the highest leaders of the Albanian state, the
opposition leader, representatives of embassies in Tirana, figures from
the civil society, media and friends of the embassy.

While the guests were gathering in the embassy court, US Ambassador Alexander Arvizu firstly met the Albanian President, Bamir Topi, the two former Presidents, Rexhep Mejdani and Alfred Mojsiu, where was also present the Prime Minister Sali Berisha, the Parliament Spokesperson Jozefina Topalli and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edmond Haxhinasto.

Debora Jones, the US Vice Ambassador, spoke in Albanian and made a summary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Later, the ambassador valued the friendly relations between the two countries.

“I am proud to mention the great friendship and partnership between our countries. USA and Albania have solid and close relations, which reflect the mutual commitment of both countries on the universal rights of freedom and democratic principles. It is a long partnership, built on the views that both countries share for a free and prosperous Albania, with a strong democracy that serves to the aspirations of the citizens. We have always been on the side of the Albanian nation, and we will continue to support the constant progress of Albania in the Euro-Atlantic integration, for a solid rule of law, and a prosperous economy led by the market and independent institutions. Albania’s progress in the last 20 years is visible. No Balkan country has gone so far for such a short period of time. Thank you for these marvelous 20 years and a magic night like this”, Arvizu declared in his speech.

The Albanian President, Bamir Topi, recalled the emotions during the visit of the US State Secretary, James Baker, and considered the USA as Albania’s best friend.

“We are grateful to the US government and the American people for everything that they have done in the troubled history of Albania through the decades. We are grateful for everything that you have made for creating and strengthening democracy and our democratic institutions. From this significant ceremony, I want to greet President Obama”, President Topi declared .

The man who seemed most excited in this ceremony, maybe even more than ambassador Arvizu himself, was the Albanian PM Sali Berisha, who reflected on his speech the weight of the current political burden.

“Dear Mr. Arvizu, Mrs. Arvizu, Mr. President of Albania, Mrs. Topi, Mrs. Parliament Speaker, Mr. Topi… Mrs. Topalli… But Mr. President has a special moment, of 20 years ago, Mr. Ambassador. I am a little excited, and I don’t… All decisions made by your country, by the Presidents and governments of your country in the last 90 years, are decisions that have directly affected the free existence of the Albanians, their independence in a time when the others decided to wipe Albania out of the map”, Berisha declared.

In this ceremony there were also delays. The opposition leader, Edi Rama, and his wife Linda, arrived a few minutes after ambassador Arvizu had started his greeting speech. Later than Rama came the Minister of Transport, Sokol Olldashi, and his colleague from the Ministry of Finances, Ridvan Bode.

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