President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of Brigades.

Begaj praised Washington’s continued support for Albania’s Euro-Atlantic integration, judicial reform, democratic institutions and defence capabilities. He also stressed the importance of US engagement in the Western Balkans, NATO cooperation and KFOR’s role in Kosovo’s security. The president highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in energy, investment, defence, cybersecurity and infrastructure.

Begaj also praised the senators’ support for the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, which aims to strengthen economic, democratic and institutional cooperation across the region. The ceremony reaffirmed the close ties between Tirana and Washington and their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.