Peters, Kirk Announce Senate Albanian Issues Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC – In conjunction with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s visit to the United States this week, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today announced the formation of the Senate Albanian Issues Caucus, which Peters and Kirk will co-chair. The Senate Albanian Issues Caucus will bring together key stakeholders to help shape policies that support the democratic aspirations of Albanians in Balkan countries with significant Albanian populations and strengthen relations between the United States and the Albanian people.

Yesterday, Peters met with Prime Minister Rama and discussed with him United States-Albania relations and highlighted the important contributions of Albanian Americans in the United States.

“I was honored to meet Prime Minister Rama and discuss with him wide-ranging topics impacting both our countries, as well as issues of importance to Michigan’s Albanian American community,” said Senator Peters. “The spirit of entrepreneurship and patriotism embodied by the Albanian American community only strengthens our country’s diversity. I’m proud to join Senator Kirk in establishing the Senate Albanian Issues Caucus to highlight the rich heritage of Albanian Americans and issues impacting Albanians across the country.”

“Illinois is proud to recognize the achievements of Albanian-Americans like Nobel Peace Prize winner Ferid Murad for his achievements in medicine. Since its emergence from isolation 25 years ago, Albania has made significant strides in expanding individual freedoms, democracy, and prosperity. As co-chair of the Senate Albania Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to strengthen the U.S.-Albania relationship and support Albania’s ongoing efforts to become a more prosperous, democratic state and pillar of stability in the Balkans,” said Senator Kirk.