“Here is the truth about Zvërnec” — Kushner reacts: If approved, Albanians will be proud of it and enjoy it for generations

In a clarifying reaction to several articles published in left-wing American media, Jared Kushner puts an end to speculation about the Zvërnec project and tells how he is personally engaged in creating something special for the area, guaranteeing the preservation of biodiversity and a massive development of the country’s economy.

He rejects the false claims that the land was given away by the Albanian government, clarifying that it was bought through a private transaction, under the legislation in force, for the sum of 230 million euros, which ranks it among the highest prices paid in the region for a transaction of these dimensions.

He dwells on the environment and stresses that the development will be to the highest standards, leaving this wonderful part of Albania greener and with more biodiversity.

Throughout the reaction, Kushner expresses special appreciation for Albania and Albanians, emphasising his belief in the country’s economic and tourism potential. He presents the investment as a long-term commitment which, if successfully realised, could reach around 4 billion euros, creating jobs, economic activity and new development opportunities.

Below is Jared Kushner’s full reaction:

Media claim: Development rights were given without public notice or a competitive tender process, and the amendment to unblock the protected land was rushed through parliament. Rama even allowed the construction of an airport inside the protected area.

Reality: The land was not given to us by the Albanian government. Our partners bought it from a private party for 230 million euros in a private transaction, among the highest prices paid in the region for a transaction of these dimensions. The title of ownership was reviewed by legal advisers and verified.

This project began as a clean and direct private investment in real estate, based on our belief in Albania’s potential as a growing destination and in the opportunity to create something truly special there.

We are investing considerable private capital in a country that has never had a project of this scale; even though there is no guarantee, we are undertaking this risk because we believe in Albania and we believe in Albanians. If it turns out successful, the project could represent around 4 billion euros of investment and create significant jobs, economic activity and international visibility for Albania.

Since purchasing the land, we have spent more than three years and tens of millions of dollars studying the terrain, its environment and the opportunities and needs of the region, while bringing together architects, designers, engineers, environmental experts and extraordinary partners to shape the project responsibly. The goal has never been simply to develop the land, but to create something that can become a platform for long-term opportunity and growth for Albania.

Asher Abehsera, a longtime friend and business partner with a proven record of successful development, joined as a partner and CEO of the project and has led the day-to-day work over the past four years.

The Kastrati family, a well-known Albanian business family with deep roots and great pride in their country, was the one that first brought the land opportunity to our attention and that shares our belief in Albania’s potential.

I first met Ramez and Moutaz Alkhayyat in Doha during the 2022 World Cup and was impressed by their history and abilities. They had fled Syria as refugees under the brutal Assad regime, with many of their properties and assets later confiscated by the government, and they were given the opportunity to rebuild their lives and businesses in Qatar. Their arrival coincided with Qatar’s extraordinary construction needs before the World Cup, and they became deeply involved in the transformative construction of Doha.

This is an important distinction: this is an investment, not something that was given to us. We bought the land for 230 million euros, we are committing considerable additional private capital and we are taking on the risk of whether the project will succeed. If it does, Albania will benefit through jobs, tourism, economic opportunities and long-term growth.

My personal focus has been mainly on the vision and the design, bringing together extraordinary architects, partners, designers and creators to build a destination unlike anything else in the region. I am a minority partner and have no day-to-day involvement in the project.

The partnership has engaged extensively with the local community in Vlora. We also understand that people have legitimate questions and concerns. The project will have to go through all the relevant Albanian regulatory and environmental processes and win the necessary approvals in order to proceed.

Our ambition is to build to the highest standards of design and environment, and to leave this extraordinary part of Albania greener, with more biodiversity and environmentally stronger.

The suggestion that this project advanced in order to win favours from President Trump also turns the chronology upside down. As the article itself notes, our interest began in the summer of 2021, when I was a private citizen and long before President Trump announced his 2024 campaign.

The same applies to the airport. The article implies, but does not fully say, that government officials approved the airport at my request. In fact, the airport had already been approved by the time I first saw the project, and it was one of the factors that attracted me and shaped my vision of what the region could become.

Ultimately, Albania will decide whether the project proceeds. If it is approved, I hope we can create something that Albanians will be proud of and that families from Albania and around the world will enjoy for generations to come.