Arrr! The US scallywag o' state be backin' the Western Balkans on their voyage t' join the European Union!
2024-02-15
Arrr, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken did pay a visit to the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama this week, minding the future of the Western Balkans as they be yearnin' to join the European Union, matey!
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Albania to strengthen relations with the country and express Washington's support for the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union. Blinken met with top officials and emphasized the importance of the future of the Western Balkans, particularly Albania, in joining the EU. He highlighted the need to avoid a repeat of the instability experienced in the 1990s and reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to supporting the integration efforts of Western Balkan countries with each other and Europe. The U.S. has praised Albania's leadership in the region and its role on the United Nations Security Council, as well as its contributions to NATO operations and international peacekeeping missions.During his visit, Blinken addressed tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, which have hindered progress in the EU-facilitated negotiations to normalize their relations. The U.S. and EU have expressed concerns over Kosovo's recent ban on the dinar as currency in its Serb-majority municipalities. Blinken emphasized that the EU-facilitated dialogue is the way forward and pledged support for both countries as they navigate this path.
Additionally, Blinken thanked Albania for its generosity in welcoming thousands of Afghan evacuees after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Albania was the first country to house approximately 3,200 Afghan refugees before they were resettled in the United States. Blinken met with some of these Afghans during his visit and acknowledged that their journey wouldn't have been possible without Albania's assistance.
After his visit to Albania, Blinken traveled to Germany for the Munich Security Conference.