Memorial of Albanian-American Relations
Thank you, America
On behalf of the Albanian people, the Alliance expresses its deep gratitude to the American people and to their leaders of every political party. Albanians regard the United States as their principal partner in the world and the American people as a brother nation, for the sacrifices they made for the existence of the Albanian state and, today, of the State of Kosovo.
A century of friendship
1919–1920
President Woodrow Wilson
At the Paris Peace Conference after the First World War, President Wilson opposed the plans to partition Albania among its neighbours and defended its right to exist as an independent state. Albanians remember him as the protector of their nation.
1922
Diplomatic recognition
The United States recognised the Albanian government and established diplomatic relations, opening a legation in Tirana.
1939–1990
Decades of separation
After the Italian invasion and, later, under the communist dictatorship, relations were broken off. For half a century Albanians were cut off from America, while the diaspora kept the friendship alive.
1989
Joseph DioGuardi and Tom Lantos
Congressmen Joseph DioGuardi and Tom Lantos came to Albania in 1989 and championed the Albanian cause in Congress, defending the rights of Albanians in Albania and Kosovo. Their efforts helped restore diplomatic relations on 15 March 1991.
1998–1999
Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright, General Wesley Clark
President Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark led the international response that ended the violence in Kosovo. The NATO campaign of 24 March–10 June 1999 allowed hundreds of thousands of Albanians to return home.
2007–2009
George W. Bush
President Bush was welcomed in Tirana in June 2007 and the United States recognised the independence of Kosovo on 18 February 2008. Albania joined NATO on 1 April 2009.
1990s–today
Joe Biden
As senator, Vice President and President, Joe Biden was one of the strongest voices in defence of Kosovo, its freedom and its independence.
Congress
Dozens of congressmen and senators
Members of the U.S. Congress and Senate of both parties stood with Kosovo in its struggle for freedom and independence, and with Albania on its path to democracy.
2017–today
Donald J. Trump
President Trump placed Kosovo among the priorities of American foreign policy, including the Washington Agreement of 4 September 2020, and has put the fight against corruption and organised crime in Albania in focus — to free the Albanian people from a heavy burden that has caused great losses and suffering.
For all of this, the Albanian people say: Thank you, America.
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