Deputy Assistant U.S. Secretary of State: The U.S. is working closely with Albania in the fight against crime and strengthening security

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European affairs, Daniel Lawton, said the United States is working closely with Albania in the field of security, the fight against transnational criminal organizations and the expansion of economic cooperation.

During a hearing before the Subcommittee on Europe of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he spoke about American policy in the Western Balkans, Lawton said Washington is cooperating closely with Albania, as a NATO ally.

“We are working closely with our NATO ally, Albania, to strike transnational criminal organizations and to expand the access of American companies to the market. A recently finalized loan under Foreign Military Financing will help Albania meet NATO defense spending commitments and increase the purchase of U.S.-made equipment,” he said.

According to the American official, cooperation with Albania is part of the U.S. policy for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Western Balkans.

“Our engagement in the Western Balkans is tied to achievable objectives and measurable results. Our focus remains supporting pragmatic solutions led by the countries of the region themselves, expanding economic and security cooperation, as well as advancing American interests,” Lawton said.

Lawton’s statements come in the framework of assessing American policy in the Western Balkans, where Washington aims to strengthen stability, economic cooperation and security in the region.