Remarks With Albanian Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto Before Their Meeting


SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I am delighted to welcome my colleague and the minister from Albania here to Washington for discussions on the full range of issues. As you know, Albania is a partner and a friend that we value greatly and an ally within NATO. And so there is a lot to discuss and much to work on going forward.

FOREIGN MINISTER HAXHINASTO: It is a delight for me to be here today and I thank Secretary Clinton for creating this opportunity. This visit will reaffirm the great friendship between our two countries, will affirm that the United States is a strategic ally for Albania, is our partner in meeting the challenges that we have as NATO member countries, but also is a partner in our bilateral agenda, always has been supportive of the good things that happen – happened in Albania with democracy, with strengthening of democracy, the peace contribution in the region. And also we want to see – we put some perspective in our agenda regarding bilateral relations, regarding strengthening the economic ties, and, of course, the friendship between our two people.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much, Mr. Minister. Thank you all.