Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla met with U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres during his visit to the United States. Torres represents New York’s 15th Congressional District, which includes parts of the Bronx, home to a large Albanian-American community.

The Bronx also hosts institutions that help preserve Albanian language and identity among younger generations. These include the Albanian-language “Children of the Eagle” school and Albanian-English bilingual programs.

During the visit, Balla expressed his appreciation for the Albanian-American community. He highlighted its efforts to preserve its roots and build ties of friendship and cooperation between Albania and the United States.

Meanwhile, Ritchie Torres has represented New York’s 15th Congressional District in the U.S. House since January 2021. Before joining Congress, he served on the New York City Council from 2014 to 2020.

Torres was born in the Bronx on March 12, 1988. He grew up in public housing and was raised by his mother. At age 25, he became the youngest elected official in New York City at the time.

In June 2026, Torres won the Democratic primary for New York’s 15th Congressional District. He is now the Democratic nominee for the November general election.

The meeting highlighted the role of the Albanian-American community in maintaining connections between Albania and the United States.

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