Representatives of the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC) met with Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis to discuss key issues affecting the Western Balkans and the Albanian-American community. Topics included strengthening relations between Greece and Kosovo, with the goal of encouraging deeper cooperation and eventual Greek recognition of Kosovo. The delegation also raised concerns about the rights and status of Albanians in North Macedonia, emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. engagement in monitoring the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, as well as discussing the ongoing student movement and its calls for accountability.
AARC briefed Congresswoman Malliotakis on the recent Congressional Delegation (CoDel) visit to the region and highlighted its strategic significance amid evolving geopolitical developments in the Western Balkans. During the discussion, the Congresswoman inquired about regional dynamics, including which countries are most pro-American, the influence of Russia and China, and Serbia’s role in projecting influence across the region. AARC noted that Kosovo remains one of the most pro-American societies globally, while Albania and Albanian communities in North Macedonia and Montenegro have consistently demonstrated strong support for the United States and the transatlantic alliance.
The meeting also addressed Serbia’s political, economic, media, and security influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, and its impact on Euro-Atlantic integration and regional reconciliation. The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining regular communication and strengthening cooperation between Congresswoman Malliotakis’s office and AARC. Led by AARC Chairman Eli Rusi and attended by several board members and supporters, the delegation expressed appreciation for the Congresswoman’s engagement and invited her to join the growing Albanian Issues Caucus. AARC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing policies that promote stability, democracy, and stronger U.S. engagement throughout the Western Balkans.
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