Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs is attending the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington DC, hosted by the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. During his stay in Washington DC, Minister Bushati met with Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Stephen D. Mull. At the meeting with Undersecretary Mull, Minister Bushati praised the continued support of the United States regarding the implementation of internal reforms, and mainly that of the judiciary, as well as in guaranteeing security and stability in the Balkan region. Bushati stressed that U.S. should continue to be present in the Western Balkans region, not only as a peace and security factor, but also as a counterbalance to the influence of the third powers in the region. From his part, Undersecretary Mull thanked Albania for its valuable contribution both within NATO and as a constructive factor in the Western Balkans region. Undersecretary Mull stressed the strategic importance that the US gives to Albania’s EU integration and the continuation of internal reforms implementation. Undersecretary Mull also informed Minister Bushati of the main messages of the Helsinki Summit and the views of the Department of State on the latest developments in the European Union.

Minister Bushati also had a meeting with Senator Roger Wicker, the Helsinki Commission Chair.