TODAY, PRIME MINISTER RAMA HELD A MEETING WITH ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE VICTORIA NULAND. THE MEETING WAS FOLLOWED BY A WORKING DINNER FOR BOTH DELEGATIONS.

Mrs. Nuland congratulated the Prime Minister on Albania getting candidate status and said that this important decision for the European future of our country is the coronation of the reforms undertaken by the Albanian government.

Prime Minister Rama informed the State Department senior official on Albanian government’s vision to fight corruption, organized crime, as well as on the need to reform the justice system. This vision was fully supported by Ms. Nuland.

The economic cooperation between our two countries was another important topic discussed during the meeting. Prime Minister Rama and Assistant Secretary Nuland agreed that a new dimension of cooperation is needed, because it would enable the intensification of economic relations and incite American entrepreneurs to invest in Albania. Ms. Nuland praised the strategic TAP gas pipeline project and Albania’s role in energy security in Europe.

Additionally, Ms. Nuland congratulated Albania on its role as a NATO member and the contribution our country has given both in the recent international developments in Ukraine and in promoting democracy, peace and stability in the Balkans.

At the meeting, Ms. Nuland was accompanied by Ambassador Arvizu, Major General Kee and Evelyn Farkas, while Prime Minister Rama was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bushati, Minister of Defense Kodheli and Minister of Interior Tahiri.