US President Woodrow Wilson supported an independent Albanian state at the Paris Peace Conference in January 1919. Shortly thereafter, on July 28, 1922, the United States and Albania established diplomatic relations for the first time when Maxwell Blake, the American Commissioner to Albania, extended written notification of the United States’ recognition of Albania to the Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Albania were severed in 1939 when Albania was occupied by Italy (1939-43) and Germany (1943-44) during World War II. After the war, Albania saw 45 years of isolation and underdevelopment under its communist leadership. With the fall of communism in 1991, the Albanian government sought closer relations with the West to improve economic conditions and implemented fundamental democratic reforms. Diplomatic relations between the United States and Albania were restored in 1991. In 2015, we signed the US-Albania Strategic Partnership to reflect the close cooperation between our countries and to expand our cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
The US and Albania celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of US-Albanian relations in 2022. Although these relations were severed in the previous century, our two countries forged strong bonds, overcame conflicts and difficulties, and emerged as close allies and friends. With this history in mind, we look to the future and to all that we can achieve together in the next century. Our two nations are based on a shared commitment to democratic values, peace and economic prosperity, which are the foundation of this enduring partnership. The 100th anniversary themes reflect the following priorities: Friendship, Democracy, Defense and Business.
Friendship
Democracy
Defense
Business
