Press Release
☷The United States and Albania NATO Allies and Close Friends United States Department of State
U.S. Department of State ( By Press Release office)
Feb 17,2024
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The United States and Albania are dedicated to improving economic and trade ties . Albania has made significant advancements in promoting trade and foreign investment in sectors such as energy , medical equipment , pharmaceuticals , travel and tourism , construction , and agriculture . These sectors have seen growth in U . S . exports and investment . U . S . investment in Albania has tripled compared to pre - pandemic levels in 2019 , and trade between the two countries has increased by one and a half times . The United States mainly imports food , vehicles , and machinery from Albania , while the main exports to Albania include agricultural goods , ferroalloys , aluminum , and footwear . Albania is eligible for duty - free exports to the United States under the Generalized System of Preferences program . Additionally , the United States and Albania have both ratified a bilateral investment treaty . The U . S . Government aims to assist Albania in strengthening democratic institutions , promoting sustainable economic growth , and integrating into European and Euro - Atlantic structures . We will continue to work with Albania in combating corruption and organized crime , as well as improving transparent and inclusive governance , which are crucial for Albania ' s success on its path to EU integration . We ' re also providing substantial support for Albania ' s cyber defenses , with over $50 million invested in this area . The United States has been a solid partner and friend to Albania since the first diplomatic relations were established in 1922 and reestablished in 1991 after the fall of communist rule . We ' re proud to work with Albania as it has made progress in strengthening democracy , opening up its economy , and creating more opportunities for its people . Albania and the United States have signed various agreements , including ones related to preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction , promoting defense and military relations , integrating into the Euro - Atlantic community , providing support for Afghan Special Immigrant Visas , and ensuring 4G and 5G security . The United States supports Albania ' s goal of joining the European Union , just like we did with their NATO membership aspirations . Albania and the United States are members of several international organizations , including the United Nations , NATO , Euro - Atlantic Partnership Council , Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe , International Monetary Fund , World Bank , and World Trade Organization . Albania regularly contributes to regional and global security . They have mentored new NATO aspirants through the Adriatic Charter , and have collaborated with U . S . service members in military actions in Afghanistan , Iraq , and the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL . Together , we have frozen terror assets , shut down potential terrorist financing organizations , and deployed troops to Latvia and Kosovo as part of NATO operations . Albania is also involved in peacekeeping missions in the Sinai and supports operations in the Red Sea . Albania is also observing the Organization of American States . Since June 2014 , Albania has been a candidate to join the European Union . The United States and Albania are working together , along with other Allies and partners , to support Ukraine and ensure its sovereignty , freedom , and prosperity . We are committed to helping the brave people of Ukraine defend their nation against Russia ' s aggression and prevent future attacks . With Albania ' s unwavering support , the United States is fulfilling its commitments to our Afghan allies . Albania ' s assistance reflects their compassion and longstanding tradition of helping those in need , further strengthening the bond between our nations . Albania and the United States have a strong connection that dates back to President Woodrow Wilson ' s support for Albania ' s independence . Since the fall of communism , our countries have enhanced our ties through exchange programs such as Fulbright , YES high school exchange , and the International Visitor Leadership Program . Over 2 , 000 Albanian alumni have participated in U . S . government programs . In addition , Albania hosts a U . S . military presence and has welcomed various headquarters and brigades . They work closely with the New Jersey National Guard on cyber defense and military training . Their close relationship with the National Guard and SFAB helped them pass their NATO Combat Readiness Evaluation in 2022 . Peace Corps Volunteers have been serving all over the country since 1992 and play an important role in building connections between our nations . For more info , shoot an email to EUR - Press@state . gov or check out the website . #Albania #EuropeanEurasianAffairs #SpokespersonTrip .
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