During his stay in Washington, Acting Minister Cakaj had a meeting in the US Department of State with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Mr. Matthew Palmer.
In the course of the meeting, Acting Minister Cakaj and Mr. Palmer exchanged opinions about the recent developments in the Western Balkans, Albania’s role there, its relations with the neighbouring countries, and the prospects of the countries in the region for integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.
Acting Minister Cakaj also dwelt on the carrying on of the internal processes in Albania, and the progress made for the setting up of the new justice institutions, and the prospects for the start of negotiations in the upcoming June, as well as other issues concerning bilateral cooperation between Albania and the USA.
Mr. Palmer appreciated Albania’s important role in the Western Balkans, and Albania’s commitments within NATO, and Albania’s contribution to some of NATO’s most important operations and activities, as well as its commitments in the framework of the OSCE’s Chairmanship next year.
He pointed out that Albania remains a valuable partner willing to stand by the USA, as a worthy ally, in the challenges facing the Alliance, as well as in the shared commitments in the fight against terrorism.