Statement by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker Following Meeting with Albanian PM Sali Berisha (September 6, 2012)

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker with Albanian PM Sali Berisha during the press conference.

Thank you very much, PM Berisha. Good afternoon everyone. It is truly an honor for me to be back in Albania, and particularly in this centennial year of Albania’s independence.  The Prime Minister and I indeed discussed the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries. Albania is a reliable partner of the United States. 
As always, we had the opportunity to discuss the European perspective of Albania, developments in the region, and I always appreciate the Prime Minister’s views on the region and the broader world.  The United States appreciates the government’s steadfast contributions to regional and international security, including contributions to ISAF and bringing about stability in Afghanistan. 
Washington remains committed to the region’s continued democratization and Euro-Atlantic integration.
As I told the PM, Washington will be watching the next year very closely.  We expect to see continued reform progress, and respect for the independence of democratic institutions, and in particular the next weeks are critical.  They are critical in demonstrating movement on reforms and a seriousness of purpose that transcends politics and reflects the best interests and desires of the people of Albania.  I thank again the PM for his generosity of time today, and again I express my delight and gratitude for this opportunity to visit in the Republic of Albania.

http://tirana.usembassy.gov/press-releases2/2012-press-releases/statement-by-deputy-assistant-secretary-of-state-philip-reeker-following-meeting-with-albanian-pm-sali-berisha-september-6-2012.html