The US Secretary of State arrived in Albania on his first visit

Blinken’s first visit to Albania aims to strengthen bilateral relations with an important partner that helps maintain stability in the Balkans, said senior State Department official Yuri Kim.

After decades of isolation under the Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania began to rapidly orient itself towards the West.

According to recent opinion polls, most Albanians today have a very positive view of the United States.

A. Blinken has to meet with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and the country’s youth.

Washington welcomes Albania’s strong support for Ukraine and its chairmanship of a difficult session of the United Nations Security Council last year.

In Tirana, the US secretary of state will also meet with Afghan refugees who fled their country following the Taliban took over two years ago and are waiting for US visas.

In Albania, A. Blinken was greeted by huge posters on the streets of Tirana.

This small Balkan country joined NATO in 2009 and has been granted EU candidate status.