Two American senators with a well-known profile on Western Balkans issues held a series of meetings in Tirana, in a visit where the apparent emphasis was on security, justice and relations with the opposition. What stood out was the absence of a meeting with Sali Berisha, while Ambassador Eric Wendt appeared alongside them for almost the entire agenda.
Agenda in Tirana and focus on justice
Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin, long involved in legislative initiatives on the Western Balkans, also stopped in Albania as part of their regional tour, which also includes Kosovo.
In Tirana, the senators met with President Bajram Begaj, as well as with the heads of the country’s new justice institutions. The stated focus of the visit was security, Euro-Atlantic integrity, cooperation with NATO and the rule of law.
Meeting with SPAK and BKH, a clear political signal
On Saturday, the two American senators, accompanied by the US ambassador in Tirana, Eric Wendt, held a meeting with the head of SPAK, Klodjan Braho, and the director of the BKH, Joni Keta.
This was Wendt’s second stop at SPAK within a few days. According to the version presented by the American side, this is seen as a continuation of support for the Special Structure, at a time when justice remains one of the most sensitive points of political debate in the country.
Begaj honors the American senators
During the meeting with the head of state, the American senators were awarded the decoration “Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle” for their contribution.
This was one of the more ceremonial moments of the visit, although the real weight of the meetings appeared to be concentrated on security issues and contacts with institutional and political actors.
Meetings with the opposition, but not with Berisha
The senators’ and Ambassador Wendt’s agenda also included meetings with opposition representatives, including Democratic Party MPs Jorida Tabaku, Oerd Bylykbashi and Ivi Kaso. According to publicly released information, concerns were raised in these talks about the way the country is being governed.
American diplomats also met with Agron Shehaj, head of the “Mundësia” party, as well as independent MP Marjana Koçeku, following her departure from the Socialist Party.
What stands out in this picture is the fact that opposition leader Sali Berisha was not included in the meetings held in Tirana. His absence from the agenda is an element expected to be read politically, especially in relation to how Washington is choosing to deliver its messages in Tirana.
After Albania, a stop in Kosovo
After completing their meetings in Albania, the American senators continued their tour to Kosovo, where they are expected to meet political representatives there.
The move confirms that the visit was not merely ceremonial, but part of a broader diplomatic itinerary in the region, with an emphasis on political developments and the security architecture of the Balkans.
The visit to Tirana left several clear signals behind it: strong attention to SPAK, selective contacts with the opposition, and a meaningful gap in relation to Berisha.
Beyond the official language on partnership and Euro-Atlantic integrity, what also matters is how the meeting agenda is built — and who remains outside it.