Representatives of the Albanian-American community, led by Board Members of the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC), held a productive and forward-looking meeting with Chairwoman Lisa McClain, focusing on strengthening U.S. engagement in the Western Balkans and advancing key policy priorities affecting Albanians in the region.
According to a statement released by AARC, during the meeting AARC President Martin Vulaj proposed the reactivation and mobilization of the Congressional Albanian Caucus. Chairwoman Lisa McClain welcomed the initiative, expressing her support and committing to actively participate in efforts to bring renewed focus and coordination to the caucus. An event is expected to be organized in the near future to convene all caucus members for a comprehensive session centered on regional education and strategic alignment.
Chairwoman McClain underscored the importance of presenting actionable solutions alongside identified challenges, noting that progress in Washington requires both clear problem definition and a strategic pathway forward.
A central point of discussion was the ongoing dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Mr. Vulaj emphasized that mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia must remain the ultimate stated outcome of any agreement between the two countries. Europe’s leadership has been weak and ineffective and U.S. leadership of the process is necessary for a successful outcome.
The strategic importance of Kosovo’s membership in NATO was strongly highlighted. Participants emphasized that Kosovo’s integration into NATO is essential not only for its own security and the stability of the Western Balkans, but also for advancing U.S. national interests. As discussed, the region remains deeply interconnected, with political developments in one country directly influencing neighboring states. Kosovo’s NATO membership would serve as a critical safeguard against the expansion of Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Additional concerns were raised regarding the rights of Albanians across the region.
Vehbi Bajrami, publisher of Illyria newspaper and former Chief of the Albanian Language Section of the Voice of America, addressed the systematic violation of the rights of the Albanian minority in Serbia, calling for equal treatment and parity with the rights afforded to Serbs in Kosovo. AARC Board Chairman, Eli Rusi highlighted ongoing challenges in North Macedonia, particularly regarding the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement the lack of full enforcement of language rights for Albanian students in legal education, despite these provisions being enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration, strategic advocacy, and the advancement of policies that promote stability, equality, and democratic development throughout the Western Balkans.
Among those in attendance were the Chairman of the Republican Party in New York State Edward Cox and former President Clinton aide Christopher Hyland. Mr.Cox, who is also son-in-law of President Richard Nixon, was a guest speaker at the annual dinner of AARC. Mr.Hyland has built a strong relationship with the Albanian community since his time serving as Deputy National Political Director for Ethnic Constituencies in 1992.
Chairwoman of the House Republican Conference for the 119th Congress, Lisa McClain also serves as co-chair of the Albanian Issues Caucus in the House of Representatives. She represents Michigan’s 9th District and sits on the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Education and the Workforce. With her strong business background and commitment to building connections with her constituents, she has maintained a working relationship with Albanian Americans for many years.
