Nancy VanHorn, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, embarked on her first journey beyond Tirana with a visit to the historic city of Gjirokastër. She was captivated by the city’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

During her visit, VanHorn engaged with local partners dedicated to promoting human rights, justice, and sustainable development. She highlighted the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation, noting that the U.S. has supported the restoration of the Gjirokastër Fortress and the monasteries of the Drinos Valley through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

VanHorn also met with Petrit Cano, the Head of the Gjirokastër Prosecutor’s Office, and other prosecutors, as well as representatives from organizations such as the UNHCR, Caritas Albania, and the Ombudsman’s Office. These groups collaborate to offer services to immigrants passing through southern Albania and assist local authorities in the preliminary review process.

In addition, VanHorn visited local businesses supported by the U.S., such as “Bota Farms,” which serves as a model of innovation in agritourism. She emphasized how food and agriculture are boosting Albania’s economy, both through exports and local ventures that attract tourists eager to experience traditional Albanian cuisine.

Concluding her visit, VanHorn expressed her excitement for further exploration of Albania, asking, “What should be the next stop?”

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