Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, has carried out an unannounced visit to Albania, directly linked to planned investments on the island of Sazan. She arrived in the coastal city of Vlora under strict security measures, accompanied by a delegation and heavy police presence, with her movements closely monitored throughout her stay.

During her visit to Vlora, Ivanka Trump took part in technical meetings focused on architectural planning and the implementation of a proposed project on the strategic island of Sazan. No meetings with local or central government officials were announced, as the agenda remained centered on professional and technical discussions related to the investment.

Her schedule also included visits to the Uji i Ftohtë area and a stop in Akerni, known as one of the most abandoned areas since the 1990s. There, on-site assessments were carried out along the coastline, surrounding land and existing infrastructure, aiming to evaluate the area’s development potential. Akerni is considered to have strong prospects for strategic investments and high-end tourism, particularly due to its natural features and proximity to the new airport, a factor that has contributed to rising property prices in recent years.

Ivanka Trump’s visit is connected to the project of her husband Jared Kushner’s company, which at the end of 2024 was granted strategic investor status in Albania for the development of a luxury tourist resort on Sazan Island. This status allows the company to benefit from fast-track procedures and other legal advantages for a 10-year period, while the Albanian state retains the right to review or revoke the decision depending on final negotiations.

Sazan Island remains largely undeveloped, with military status and only partially open to the public. Plans for its transformation, along with interest in nearby coastal areas, have sparked debate and opposition, particularly from environmental groups concerned about potential damage to protected coastal zones.