Tony Blair's latest job: Former British PM will help Albania to join the EU
By Daily Mail ReporterAlbania's new Socialist premier says former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will assist as an adviser in his country's efforts to join the 28-nation European Union.
Edi Rama said today that Blair would be 'personally, totally and voluntarily' advising the Albanian government and helping with his 'extraordinary experience and political geniality.'
Speaking at a briefing in Tirana, Blair said: 'The big challenge with the government today is getting things done.'
Tony Blair (left) and Albanian Prime Minister
Edi Rama answer questions after announcing that the former British Prime
Minister will assist as an adviser in Albania's efforts to join the
28-nation European Union
Rama said that Blair would be 'personally, totally and voluntarily' advising the Albanian government
Rama, who was sworn in as prime minister last month, has promised to create 300,000 jobs and reduce poverty.
A recent survey shows one in seven Albanians live on less than $2 (£1.20) per day.
Albania is one of Europe's poorest countries with an average salary of 36,482 leks ($361) per month.
The announcement comes days after it emerged that Mr Blair, 60, appeared to be footing the bill for his own £30million private plane.
He has been seen stepping out of a £7,000-an-hour bespoke aircraft complete with stateroom, lounge, kitchen and bed.
Flying high: Mr Blair has been seen stepping out
of a £7,000-an-hour bespoke aircraft (pictured) complete with
stateroom, lounge, kitchen and bed
Mr Blair is reported to have regularly chartered the top-of-the-range Bombardier Global Express private jet as he travels the world in his new roles as business consultant and public speaker, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
The former Labour leader has been seen disembarking in Bangkok, Sardinia and New York state, and it has also been seen in Switzerland, Ukraine and Israel on dates which matched Mr Blair’s visits.
A spokesperson for Tony Blair said: 'Mr Blair and his team will provide advice at no cost to the Albanian government on how to modernise and implement a reform agenda.
'As Mr Blair has previously said were Mr Rama to become PM he would be happy to help, as both Albania and the region mean a huge amount to him, the conflict in Kosovo having been an important period in his Premiership.
'He congratulates him on that now having happened and looks forward to working with him in the future.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2442429/Tony-Blairs-latest-job-Former-British-PM-help-Albania-join-EU.html#ixzz2gjHQ4sxP
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