TIRANA, March 16 – Albania may be the only place in the world with a school named after former President Wilson, a road named after George Bush and a cafe named after Barack Obama, says U.S. Ambassador to Tirana Donald Lu in a video commemorating the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of Albanian-American diplomatic ties.
The two countries re-established diplomatic relations on March 15, 1991, after a break of 52 years following World War II and Albania’s isolation under communism.
“It’s hard to believe that only 25 years ago Albania and America had no official ties. This may seem a long time but in the history of two peoples and nations, it’s just the beginning. Albania is its incredible young people most of whom were born during these 25 years,” says Lu, who is the ninth U.S. Ambassador to Albania since the early 1990s.
In June 1991, then Secretary of State James Baker received a hero’s welcome in the first U.S. high-level official to visit Albania after the country’s long period of isolation under late dictator Enver Hoxha.
Albania’s affection to the U.S. started after World War I when former President Woodrow Wilson stood up to support Albania’s independence to prevent any further partition of Albanian territories.
Donald Lu and five former U.S. Ambassadors to Albania: John L. Withers II, William E. Ryerson, Alexander A. Arvizu, Marisa R. Lino, and Marcie B. Ries came together this week in the U.S. to mark the 25th anniversary of the reestablishment of their diplomatic relations.
Albanian Ambassador to the United States Floreta Luli Faber described the United States as a symbol of freedom and democracy for Albania.
“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties and friendship between our nations, the United States is home to many Albanian families,” she says.
President George W. Bush was the first sitting American President to visit Albania on 10 June 2007.
The accession of Albania in NATO in 2009, which is undoubtedly the most historical event for Albania since the fall of the communist regime, also largely owes to U.S. efforts and contributions.
In parallel fashion, via support for Albania’s democratization, the development of the market economy and the modernization of society, the United States continue to contribute towards Albania’s preparation for EU membership.
Another important dimension in Albania-USA relations has to do with the irreplaceable contribution of the United State of America towards regional security in the Balkans. The U.S. played a critical role in the termination of ethnic wars as well as the establishment of peace and independence for Kosovo.
Albert Rakipi, the executive director of the Albanian Institute for International Studies, describes relations with the United States during the past 25 years as quite decisive for the construction of a free democratic Albania and its integration into the community of free and democratic states.
“Albanian-American relations which have been critical for the key essential issues of the nation, such as independence, the existence of the state, sovereignty, democracy, the state and future of liberty, progress and economic prosperity, are now in transition 25 years after their re-establishment,” says Rakipi.
The AIIS will organize a symposium on “Albanian American relations: Past, Present, and Future”
