The voices of the “chattering classes” and critics has done little to dampen outgoing US Ambassador Yuri Kim’s experience during her three-and-a-half-year mandate; instead, she preferred to listen to the voices of regular people around the country.
Kim held a press conference at the embassy in Tirana to address key questions related to her time in the country.
During her mandate, Kim has been subject to intense public and personal scrutiny, which has sometimes gone far beyond what a public figure should expect. This has included direct personal attacks from politicians, fake news, targeted harassment in the online sphere, and even misinformation.
When asked by Inside Albania whether this impacted her overall experience, Kim replied that it had been a pleasure to be in Albania.
“As in any capital, there is always that group that talks non-stop. Some loud voices claim to speak for everyone. I like to learn the truth,” she said.
Kim added she managed to visit all 61 municipalities in the country to speak to real people on the ground. During these visits, she said he could “have conversations that are not planned, and try to find out what people are thinking about, what they hope for their children, what they think about the future.”
She continued that she is thankful to everyone who stopped her to have a conversation and helped her better understand the country, even in cases where they disagreed.
“I want to say thank you because you really helped me understand this country, and in each of those conversations, even when we disagreed, and you said something that thought I didn’t like hearing, I still appreciated the opportunity to have a full conversation, a real exchange,” she said.
She recounted several instances where people made unfriendly gestures, comments, or comments in public, but she tried to engage them and ask them what makes them feel that way.
“And I think in a few cases, the person I tried to contact was alarmed. It looked like they were in trouble. And I hope that those people and every citizen of Albania knows that they should never, ever be afraid to tell the truth, speak the truth, confront the people you believe have power. Stand up to them, stand up to power, tell them the truth,” she added.
On the subject of the recent police raid of the MEK complex in Manze, an organisation brought to Albania with US support, Kim said that this is a matter for Albanian authorities.
“We support Albania’s right to enforce its laws in its own country. And there are certain terms that apply to the presence of any guests in your country. And guests should be respectful,” she said.
Another question tackled the topic of Sali Berisha, a firm opponent of Kim, which became even more volatile after the US State Department declared Berisha persona non grata in 2021. On this, Kim said eerie ambassador faces their challenges but that the Us always faces the future.
“Every American ambassador, past, present and future, will always try to point Albania towards the future,” she said.
As for the progress Albania has or has not made in the last few years and what still needs to be improved, Kim said that criticisms and suggestions for improvement all come “from a place of sympathy and respect.”
“We’re not saying it because we have no problems, and only you have problems. I should also make clear that ambassadors don’t pursue personal agendas while we are here,” she added.
Kim continued the US will continue to judicial reform, cleaning the courts of corruption, overhauling property rights laws and other rules for business “because we want you to be rich and we want you to be stronger.”
The ambassador was also clear that Albania has made significant progress and that this is a fact.
“I challenge anybody to tell me that this country is not better than it was in 1991. I challenge anybody to give me the facts that Albania today is the same as 1991. I’m not talking about what the commentators on TV like to say or what politicians like to say,” she said, adding that Albania is capable of even more.
On the topic of the ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, Kim said the US position is clear on establishing the Association of Serb Municipalities, but also a path forward that ends with full recognition for Kosovo. She added that both leaders must “put aside a bit of ego and think about the national project.”
“Think about who your friends are. Consider a little bit the advice of your friends, your genuine friends.”
During her address, Kim listed the accomplishments and significant events that took place during her time in Tirana, including hosting Defender Europe 2021, which involved 28,000 triios from 26 NATO and partner nations and was followed by the Albanian contribution to Defender Europe 2023. She mentioned the establishment of the Balkans Task Force regional headquarters in Albania and Albania’s Light Infantry Battlegroup receiving NATO’s Combat Readiness Evaluation certificate. Furthermore, she noted US-Albanian defence activities had tripled in the last two years, reaching 144 in 2023.
Kim also pointed to the cyberattacks on government digital infrastructure from Iran and some $50 million from the US to help them strengthen cyber defences.
In business, she noted the signing of the Memorandum on Economic Cooperation Understanding, which led to several significant US investments in the country. Kim said that US foreign direct investment reached a high of $235 million in 2022, more than double the level before the pandemic. She added bilateral trade has also increased, with Albanian exports to the US almost four times higher than two years ago.
The ambassador also touched on diplomatic relations and the increase of visa length to ten years for Albanian citizens.
“As Albanians demonstrate that they are following the visa rules, I am confident that the day will come when no visas will be required at all,” Kim said.
“As I reflect on the past three and a half years in Albania, I am proud of the progress we have made – together…There is more work to be done, for sure, but I hope that the progress made over the past three decades will inspire all of us – Albanians and Americans alike – to keep moving forward. Never give up,” Kim said, adding that she is leaving Albania with a deep respect and gratitude for kindness and friendship.
“I will leave with stronger sympathy and solidarity for your impatience for a better future for your children. And I will leave here with even greater hope in this fellow Land of the Eagles,” she concluded.
Follow The Balkanista!
