Albanian delegation headed by Prime Minister Edi Rama, part of which also were the Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati and Minister of Internal Affairs Saimir Tahiri, held a meeting with the President of the United States Barak Obama and the Vice President Joe Biden. These meetings come at a moment when our two countries share an intensive agenda of dynamic cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international level, in the framework of the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, on the eve of the first anniversary of signing of the Declaration of Strategic Partnership and following the crucial visit of the Secretary of State John Kerry in Tirana.
 
Increased cooperation in the framework of strategic partnership with the United States, rapprochement of the interaction upon challenges international community is facing today, the situation and prospects of the Balkans, were some of the issues addressed during the meetings.
 
"Albania is an extraordinary ally. I wish to thank you for what you have done. Under your leadership, Albania is now a reference point in the Balkans and one of the most responsible actors in the region. We appreciate your role and fully support you" - President Obama said.
Prime Minister Rama thanked President Obama for the continued support of the United States to Albania and the region, considering today's Balkans a success story of American foreign policy.
 
"Albania is a pro-American country, a serious NATO partner and what we are doing today in the Balkans, opening a new page in the history of cooperation in the region, has also been achieved due to what the U.S. have done for it. The Balkans today represent a success story of the United States foreign policy"- Premier Rama said.
 
Prime Minister Rama briefed President Obama and Vice President on reforms undertaken by the government, focusing primarily on justice reform, while presented the initiative to open in Tirana the Regional Center for Combating Violent Extremism.
 
President and Vice President praised the progress of reforms carried out by the government and assured that the U.S., a stable partner and ally of Albania, will continue to support its efforts to meet the criteria for joining the European Union.
 
Interlocutors agreed that further development of strategic partnership between Albania and the United States will play a key role in enhancing the security of our region and beyond.
 
Talks also dwelt on latest developments in the region, the importance of U.S. engagement in the Balkans and Albania's role as a dynamic and constructive actor in the region. Parties shared the same view that further strengthening of the alliance and partnership between Albania and the U.S. would consolidate the prospect of peace, stability and prosperity in the Balkan region.