Prime Minister Edi Rama began his several-day visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan, ahead of his participation in events related to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In his remarks, Rama focused on the role of the diaspora, European integration, economic development and projects the government plans to undertake for Albanians living abroad.
One of the main announcements at the meeting was the government’s readiness to open an Albanian consulate in Michigan, with the aim of bringing consular services closer to the Albanian community in the state.
Rama opened his speech with a symbolic reference to flamingos, recalling that years ago one of them was recorded for the first time as a visitor to Michigan.
He linked this to the debates surrounding flamingos in Albania and said that the change in the way citizens react to such issues reflects a society demanding higher standards.
“Albanians today live with the idea that things can be even better,” the Prime Minister said.
He devoted a significant part of his speech to the diaspora, which he said should not be viewed solely as a source of remittances, but as a network of people who maintain continuous ties with the country.
According to him, as part of the “Albania 2030” vision, a National Diaspora Register is being established, which will serve as a single point of connection between the state and Albanians living abroad.
Rama also addressed the economy and air transport, saying that Tirana Airport is recording the fastest growth rate in the region and has surpassed Belgrade in terms of passenger numbers.
On the international front, he said that Albania has entered the phase of closing negotiation chapters for membership in the European Union, with the goal of completing the process by 2030. He also mentioned the upcoming NATO summit to be held in Albania, describing it as an indication of the country’s growing international role.
During the discussion with the diaspora, Rama also commented on the decision of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague concerning Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. He said Albania would continue to stand by Kosovo, while stressing that Kosovo’s institutions are the ones that must decide how to respond to the decision.
Meanwhile, outside the hotel where the event was being held, a group of around 20 protesters gathered with placards and chanted slogans including “Rama in prison” and “Berisha in prison.” The protest ended without incident.
The meeting concluded with a symbolic moment when children from the Albanian school in Michigan presented the Prime Minister with a piece of artwork bearing a dedication and their signatures, while some of the children were dressed in traditional Albanian costumes.
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