Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati held a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Victoria Nuland, who is paying a visit to Tirana.

This visit is evidence of an intensive agenda of cooperation and bilateral contacts; it follows the visit of Secretary of State John Kerry to Tirana and the meeting of Prime Minister Rama with President Obama at the White House.

Cooperation in the framework of strategic partnership with the United States, the importance of adopting the judicial reform, cooperation on global security challenges and the Western Balkans’ perspective were some of the issues addressed at this meeting.

Minister Bushati informed Ass. Secretary Nuland on current developments in the country and the determination of the Albanian government to adopt the judicial reform, as of primary importance in consolidating rule of law. He also dwelt on the fight against corruption and organized crime in view of strengthening rule of law in economy, of direct impact on the advancement of Albania's European integration process.

He extended gratitude to Assistant Secretary Nuland for the precious support of the United States in the democratization process, consolidation of the rule of law and implementation of reforms, underscoring that the support and assistance of US experts is of fundamental importance to the success of judicial reform. In this context, Minister Bushati stated that: "US advice has been invaluable and their close cooperation with the EU, as well as substantial support for the reform shows the importance and coherence of our joint action. To us, there is no turning back, no attenuation of the reform. It must be radical, for 90% of our society demands it, our need for development demands it. "

Focusing on cooperation in the framework of strategic partnership, Minister Bushati reiterated Albania's commitment to continue as a firm partner alongside the US to the benefit of stability, peace and prosperity in our region and beyond, as well as in facing global security challenges.

Assistant Secretary Nuland voiced the US support in the democratization process, further Euro-Atlantic integration and prosperity of Albania and Albanians in the region.

She highlighted that judicial reform remains a high priority in US-Albania relations and Albania's progress towards the EU.

Following the decisions taken during the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Nuland praised the increasing contribution of Albania in the framework of the Alliance’s missions and fight against terrorism and violent extremism.