President of Albania Bajram Begaj emphasized the critical role of U.S. leadership in securing peace and stability in the Balkans, during his speech at the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, held this year in Dayton, United States.
In his remarks, Begaj underscored the importance of timely intervention in Kosovo in the late 1990s, which he said prevented a humanitarian catastrophe.
“The United States of America played a historic role in securing peace three decades ago. Without American leadership, the Dayton Agreement would not have been possible. Without American leadership, we would not have an independent Kosovo,” Begaj declared.
He further highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between Albania and the United States, calling it a friendship deeply honored and valued by the Albanian people.
“We Albanians deeply respect and value our friendship with the United States and are committed to strengthening it for generations to come,” the Albanian president stated.
A Strong Message of Transatlantic Unity
President Begaj also praised the ongoing engagement of the U.S., NATO, and the European Union in the Western Balkans, underlining Albania’s commitment as a NATO member to reinforce transatlantic unity and solidarity.
“Our region would not have achieved its current level of stability without the sustained commitment of the United States,” he noted, reaffirming Albania’s dedication to the core values of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance.
The session in Dayton commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Albania’s presence reaffirms its active role in regional peace and NATO cohesion.
