Prime Minister Edi Rama declared at a joint conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the United States has shown direct interest in Albania’s integration into the European Union and the stability of the state of Kosovo.

“I am pleased that this visit coincides with the conclusion of Albania’s mission as part of the Security Council as a permanent member.

I want to thank the Secretary of State for a support that is talked about little and seen little but is continuous and beneficial for Albania’s progress in the EU integration process. This is a process from which we and our European allies benefit. We appreciate the ongoing interest of the State Department and the fact that the Secretary, in meetings with European allies, does not fail to emphasize to push forward the process of EU membership of the Western Balkans as a strategic interest of the United States,” said Prime Minister Rama.

He also emphasized that without the United States, there would be no independent Kosovo, while stressing that American interest in Kosovo and Albania is a top priority.

“It is good for Albanians not to forget that without the United States, Kosovo would not have an independent state and that the interest of the United States in the progress in Albania and Kosovo is not a secondary interest, this interest is not  separated  from ours in Albania and Kosovo. We feel bad whenever we see steps backward and we are aware of the difficulty of dialogue and aware of the tragedy not far away for those living in Kosovo,” stated the head of the Albanian government at the joint conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

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