US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships in the Balkans, Paolo Zampolli, said Monday that the Albanian people should decide whether to establish a sovereign Bektashi state in Tirana.
During his visit to Albania, Zampolli met with representatives of the Bektashi community and Albanian political leaders. He also plans to meet with government officials as he seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Speaking to the media at the World Headquarters of the Bektashi Order, Zampolli said he had heard the proposal from both Prime Minister Edi Rama and the World Leader of the Bektashi Order, Baba Mondi.
“At the end of the day, the people decide or will decide,” Zampolli said. He added that the international community should respect the decision of the Albanian people.
“If your people want it, I think that is a good thing,” he said, while stressing that the people themselves should express their position.
Meanwhile, Zampolli highlighted the strong relationship between Albania and the United States. He described Albania as an important ally and said Washington values long-term partnerships in the region.
“We need friends in the region, and we like long-term friendships,” he said.
Zampolli also praised Albania’s religious coexistence and emphasized the importance of cooperation in healthcare. He said US partnerships could help strengthen Albania’s hospital infrastructure and improve access to medical treatment.
The US envoy also met with Albanian ministers and representatives of parliamentary groups. He said his main goal was to show respect and further strengthen relations between the two countries.
“The relationship between Albania and the United States is excellent and can always become better,” Zampolli said.
Finally, Zampolli reaffirmed the importance of NATO for regional security. Although he said NATO was not part of his current agenda, he welcomed Albania’s role as a NATO member and stressed the alliance’s broader importance.
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