US Embassy Publishes James Baker’s Message: I Witnessed Albania Celebrating Freedom

In the framework of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the US, the US Embassy in Tirana, publishes today the message of the former US Secretary of State, James Baker.

James Baker was the first high-level US official to visit Albania in almost half a century and witness the celebration of freedom in the country under the new democracy.

“You are with us and we are with you”! Thirty-one years ago, on June 22, 1991, US Secretary of State James Baker was the first high-level US official to visit Albania in almost half a century and witness the celebration of freedom in the country under the new democracy. In front of hundreds of thousands of Albanians in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, he assured them, “Freedom works.” “On the 31st anniversary of that day and the 100th anniversary of US-Albanian relations, former Secretary of State James Baker sent this special message to all Albanians.” – it is said in the post of the American embassy, ​​while in his message Baker recalls the visit to Tirana.

America’s relations with Albania, in many ways, is one of the strongest my country has. That relationship, of course, is based on unwavering faith and belief in the democratic ideals that govern both our countries. Both Americans and Albanians support self-government against the strong hand of authoritarianism. I say this with conviction because I personally witnessed how Albania celebrated its freedom on June 22, 1991. That day, I became the first senior US official to visit Albania after a long period of forced isolation, which began during World War II and continued until the end of the Cold War.

While standing in Tirana, on an improvised wooden stage, in front of 300 thousand Albanians, I was amazed at how the gathered people responded to my simple words: “Freedom works”. They replied: “USA, USA, USA”! Since then, relations between America and Albania have strengthened and progressed. Albania has had the support of the United States to open its economy and provide opportunities for all its citizens.

While America has had an unwavering ally in regional and global security efforts, especially as a strong member of NATO.
Our relationship is especially important during the current threat against Ukraine. On the 100th anniversary of US-Albanian relations, I want to congratulate you on the progress Albania has made towards building a better and more secure world for itself and its neighbors. Above all, I want to congratulate them on their commitment to the belief that freedom really works. “Thank you,” Baker said.

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