Celebrating a Century: 100 Years of U.S. — Albania Relations

Today, as we commemorate 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Albania, it is with a sense of gratitude that I reflect on this historic moment.

Every school child in Albania can tell you that President Woodrow Wilson saved Albania from being split up among its neighbors after World War I, wrote the New York Times not too long ago.

That is, of course, what was left of Albania proper at that time.

In January 1919, at the Paris Peace Conference, President Wilson strongly advocated the cause of an independent Albania.

Then, on July 28, 1922, exactly a century ago today, the United States and Albania formally established diplomatic relations for the first time when the American Commissioner in Albania, Maxwell Blake, extended written notification of the recognition of Albania by the United States to Foreign Minister, Xhafer Ypi.

The rest is history.

Our history.

Through a century of struggle and reclamation, we have emerged stronger together. And so, it is appropriate – necessary – that on this most solemn occasion, we look toward an even deeper, more profound engagement, and to many more bright and promising years ahead.