Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the new US Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, during a meeting in Tirana today.

Rama also shared a photo from the meeting on social media. He described it as a welcome meeting for the new US ambassador. Eric Wendt officially took up his post on September 26. He presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj on the same occasion. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Tirana plans to hold a reception for the new ambassador on October 2. The event will take place at a hotel in central Tirana.

Wendt presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj on September 26, officially beginning his mission as US ambassador to Albania. He succeeds Yuri Kim, who left the post in June 2023. Since her departure, Nancy VanHorn has led the US diplomatic mission in Tirana as chargé d’affaires.

Wendt, 61, previously served with the US Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets.

He also served as commander of NATO’s Special Operations Forces. In addition, he held senior positions in the Middle East and the Pacific region.