Nuland: U.S. welcomes the strategic project of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, which runs from the Caspian Sea via Albania to southern Italy, and Albania’s role in energy security in Europe.
TIRANA, July 14 – The United States is looking to expand its economic presence in Albania, a top American official visiting the Adriatic republic said this week.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said in Tirana the main issue of discussion with top Albanian leaders was increasing or intensifying the economic cooperation between the two countries.
Nuland said the U.S. welcomes the strategic project of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, which runs from the Caspian Sea via Albania to southern Italy, and Albania’s role in energy security in Europe.
A few days later Ambassador Alexander Arvizu met with Energy Minister Damian Gjiknuri in an apparent next move to discuss economic ties.
“I would like to see more U.S. business and investment here. I would like to see more cooperation together in the sphere of energy security,” said Nuland in an interview with a private television station, Top Channel.
Nuland said the two countries should encourage U.S. entrepreneurs to invest in Albania.
She met with all the key political leaders in Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta, President Bujar Nishani and Tirana Mayor Lulzim Basha, who also serves as opposition leader.
Nuland congratulated Albania on obtaining EU candidate country status.
“It’s a real vote of confidence in your progress and we are very proud to be your partner in all of the reforms that were necessary to get to this point and the reforms that you still have going ahead,” she said.
But she stressed that intensifying reforms was the next steps that should accompany such a victory. She said that fighting corruption and organized crime should continue to be of prior importance.
On corruption, Nuland said that the fight should be undertaken from many different perspectives.
“Obviously, you have to make cases and lock up folks that are corrupt, whether they are in the business sector, whether they are public officials. You have to ensure transparency of contracting; you have to ensure that bribes can’t be taken,” Nuland said.
Reform in the justice system should follow soon, according to the Albanian government.
On such a reform Nuland “was very pleased to see that there was unanimity across the political spectrum that this work has to continue; that it is what the Albanian people expect and deserve; countering corruption, a clean transparent judicial system and we will continue to be your partners in that journey.”
Nuland was on a Balkan tour taking her to many countries in the region.
