Representatives of the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC) met with Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for a productive discussion on key issues affecting the Western Balkans and the Albanian-American community.
Among the topics discussed was the importance of strengthening relations between Greece and Kosovo and encouraging deeper cooperation that could ultimately lead to formal recognition of Kosovo by Greece.
We also raised concerns regarding the rights and status of Albanians in North Macedonia, emphasizing the importance of continued American engagement and monitoring of the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Additionally, we discussed the ongoing student movement and its calls for accountability
We also briefed the Congresswoman on the recent Congressional Delegation (CoDel) visiting the region and discussed its strategic importance amid evolving geopolitical developments in the Western Balkans.
During the meeting, Congresswoman Malliotakis asked several questions about regional dynamics, including which countries are most pro-American, the extent of Russian and Chinese influence in the region, and how Serbia projects influence throughout the Western Balkans.
We noted that Kosovo remains one of the most pro-American societies in the world, while Albania and Albanian communities throughout North Macedonia and Montenegro have consistently demonstrated strong support for the United States and the transatlantic alliance.
We also discussed Serbia’s ongoing efforts to project political, economic, media, and security influence throughout the region, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, often in ways that complicate Euro-Atlantic integration and regional reconciliation efforts.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining regular communication and strengthening cooperation between Congresswoman Malliotakis’s office and AARC. We appreciate her interest in staying informed about our initiatives and her willingness to engage on issues of importance to the Western Balkans. As such, we invited her to join the growing Albanian Issues Caucus.
The meeting was led by AARC Chairman Eli Rusi and was attended by Vice Chair Tony Marke, Secretary Burim Rexhaj, Board members Agim Jusufi and Vehbi Bajrami, and AARC supporters amongst others.
AARC looks forward to continuing this important dialogue and advancing policies that promote stability, democracy, and stronger U.S. engagement throughout the region.