Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Albanian President Bajram Begaj Before Their Meeting

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you so much, Mr. President.   It’s a privilege.

PRESIDENT BEGAJ:  A great pleasure.  Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.

PRESIDENT BEGAJ:  This is very good that we can demonstrate that our strategic partnership is stronger than ever.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I could not agree more.  Thank you.

PRESIDENT BEGAJ:  And I’m grateful about what you are doing for Albania, for Kosovo and in the region.  And, of course, I cannot leave without mentioning that you have done so much for Albanian democracy, about rule of law, about justice reform, and in defense and security, and of course, in economy and education.  And I can assure you that Albania is committed to be always with you, and of course, we’ll be a contributor to the regional and global security.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  We see that every day.  This is a partnership, and we’re grateful for it.  We know that so many of the challenges each of us has we can most effectively deal with together, not alone.  And so for us to have the friendship, the partnership – it’s been 101 years of diplomatic relations, but the last few years in particular we’ve seen the strength of the partnership in so many different areas.  So it’s a great pleasure.

PRESIDENT BEGAJ:  It’s a strong message that you are supporting Albania, Albanian foreign policy, and of course the future of Albania – its way to European unification.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Yes.

PRESIDENT BEGAJ:  And I am sure that – and I see this visit as a bright future for Albania and our partnership.  Strategic partnership will be for more hundred years to come, so we will have time to celebrate.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s a very – a very good wish.

PRESIDENT BEGAJ:  Good.  Thank you.