Eric Wendt takes office today as U.S. ambassador to Albania, expected to present credentials to Begaj

The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, officially begins his diplomatic mission in the country this Saturday.

Wendt will be received at 11:00 by President Bajram Begaj, to whom he will present his credentials. After the ceremony, the American ambassador and President Begaj will hold a tête-à-tête meeting.

Eric Wendt succeeds in this duty Yuri Kim, who left the post in June 2023. Since her departure, the American diplomatic mission in Tirana has been led by Nancy VanHorn, in the capacity of chargé d’affaires.

Wendt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Ambassador to Albania with 50 votes in favor and 44 against. During his testimony before the committee, Wendt declared that one of the priorities of his mandate will be the further strengthening of relations between the United States and Albania.

He stressed that he will focus particularly on the fight against corruption, organized crime and drug trafficking, as well as on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of defense and security.

The new American ambassador also praised Albania’s role as a NATO ally and expressed support for increasing American investment in strategic sectors of the Albanian economy.