American President Joe Biden has said that the United States of America will stand by Albania throughout its work in strengthening democratic institutions and fighting corruption, as well as the country’s journey to become a member of the European Union.

Through a video message addressed to the citizens of Albania on the occasion of marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the USA, President Biden said that he values ​​the friendship between the two peoples.

“The United States will continue to stand by Albania as you continue your work to strengthen democratic institutions, fight corruption, strengthen the rule of law and continue your journey to join the European Union.”

“I wish that our two nations continue to build on everything we have achieved together and give our children a brighter and more hopeful future,” he said.

The American president thanked Albania for sheltering thousands of Afghans who fled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Albania was among the first countries to host 2,400 Afghans.

Biden also said that Albania “has made a decisive contribution to the support of the Ukrainian people, as it defends its country from Russia’s brutal war.”

“When the United States defended the independence of Albania after the First World War, a permanent friendship was established between our peoples, a permanent love for freedom and the values ​​of democracy, which were never broken even when the people of Albania were under dictatorship “, said Biden.

In his video message, Biden recalled that today, Albania and the United States are allies in NATO and “partners who work together to protect freedom and democracy in Europe and the world.”

Albania-USA diplomatic relations started on July 28, 1922.

These relations had a break of 52 years during the Italian occupation of Albania and then the communist regime, which led Albania to complete isolation.

They were restored again on March 15, 1991 with the overthrow of the regime and the establishment of democracy.