Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Tirana with the outgoing mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, whose tenure has been marred by controversies and corruption investigations in the United States.
According to Rama’s statement, the meeting focused on establishing a direct flight line between Tirana and New York and strengthening cooperation in tourism and technology.
Rama also mentioned that Adams had expressed a desire to meet with Albania’s virtual minister, Diella, a digital innovation initiative that has drawn international attention.
A meeting with political undertones
Adams’ visit comes at a sensitive time for him politically. Having withdrawn from the race for a second term, he is nearing the end of his mandate, which concludes in early 2026.
In the United States, Adams has faced federal investigations into campaign finance and misuse of office, which were dismissed in April 2025, but left a lasting impact on his political credibility.
American media now refer to him as a “mayor on his way out,” whose administration has struggled to recover from the fallout of the scandals.
A long-sought air connection
Rama emphasized that the two sides are working to open a direct air route between Albania and the United States, part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and strengthen ties with the Albanian-American community.
“Eric Adams has been personally involved in opening direct flights between New York and other countries, and we are exploring similar possibilities for Albania,” Rama said.
The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority is reportedly studying potential partnerships with U.S. airline companies and the Department of Transportation to establish a sustainable commercial framework for non-stop flights between TIA and JFK or Newark (EWR).
A visit under scrutiny
Observers view Adams’ trip as an attempt to bolster economic and tourism relations between Tirana and New York, but also as an effort to rehabilitate his image internationally after a politically damaging year.
However, the participation of a controversial American official in official Albanian meetings has sparked debate about the prudence of Albania’s diplomatic engagements at a time when the country itself seeks to project seriousness and credibility abroad.
The Rama–Adams meeting carries both symbolic and pragmatic weight, aiming to build a new bridge between Tirana and New York. Yet, the involvement of a U.S. official still shadowed by corruption allegations adds a layer of political ambiguity to what might otherwise be a straightforward initiative in tourism and aviation diplomacy.