
In a statement to the media, the US ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim, emphasized the progress that Albania has made in the field of justice.
During her speech, Ambassador Kim stated that the reform in justice has given the country the opportunity to open negotiations for EU membership while adding that this reform is yielding results.
The US ambassador, Kim, among other things, has called for Albania to move forward until reaching the goal of sitting at the European table.
Among other things, Ambassador Kim has mentioned some of the progress made during the performance of her duties as US ambassador to Albania.
Yuri Kim: During 3 and a half years I had the privilege of being a young ambassador to strengthen the special bond between Albania and the USA. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to get to know Albania, visit all 61 of its municipalities and try to make my contribution to democracy and business.
Albania has undertaken difficult reforms, especially in justice, which gave your country the opportunity to open negotiations for EU membership. I have often said that the justice reform is yielding results. Don't stop, keep moving forward and step by step until you reach your goal. USA will be with you every step of the way. We will never waver in the aspirations of the Albanian people to take their rightful place at the European table.
Our cooperation in the field of defense has reached new levels. In 2021, Albania hosted Defender 2021, the largest military exercise ever held. Albania built on the success of that event to host Defender 2023. American-Albanian activities in the field of defense have tripled.
Iran's cyber attacks that began in 2022 showed new threats that we must face together. The USA has allocated 50 million dollars to Albania to strengthen cyber security, this is the largest package we have given in this field to any country, except Ukraine. Business ties are growing between our 2 countries. There is still room for progress, but progress is happening. In October, we signed the memorandum of cooperation. These investments will enable Albania to become a center for energy distribution in the Western Balkan region. In June 2022, we signed the memorandum of cooperation for telecommunications.