Ilir Gjoni was born in Tirana on April 20, 1962. He obtained a degree in 1985 from the University of Tirana, Faculty of History and Philology, English language branch.
He has two Master degrees; in Diplomacy acquired at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, Malta (1991-1992) and National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California (2002-2004).
Mr. Gjoni has almost thirty years of experience in various government and non-government institutions. He has worked in diplomacy (MFA) for almost ten years, (1985-1994), in journalism as international news editor in one of the country’s biggest independent newspapers (Koha Jone).
Ilir Gjoni has also worked for international organizations such as UNHCR as Liaison Officer at the BO Tirana (1997-1999).
Mr. Gjoni’s working experience includes also a relatively long period as senior government official serving as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister (1999-2000) as well as both Defense and Interior Minister respectively (2000-2002) and as a Legislator (2001-2005; 2009-2013).
Mr. Gjoni has served as Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Swiss Confederation and Principality of Liechtenstein from 2014 to 2023.
From september 2023 Mr. Gjoni is appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to NATO.
Ilir Gjoni speaks fluent English and understands and speaks French and Italian.
He is married and has two sons.