Former Secretary Pompeo in Tirana: We'll help you strengthen the military.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeii has given a speech at the conference organised on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of US-Albanian diplomatic relations.

“Since 1922, relations between our countries are excellent”, Pompeo said, adding that after reconnecting relations in 1990 the two countries have co-operated a lot.

He stressed that the US Department of Defence has highly appreciated Albania's role in the fight against terrorism.

Former head of The UN, which has held the top state post during Donald Trump's presidency in 2018-2020, said the two countries must work to strengthen themselves militarily.

“I hope we can put a full division here and help you become more militarily skilled and we can become more militarily capable and so that NATO can do those things that might be called into office to do”, he said.

Here, Pompeo referred to headquarters that the American Special Operations Command for Europe (SOCEUR) will be established in Albania.

The former US secretary called for opposition and majority in Albania “should have good will to eradicate corruption and protect democracy”.

While in Tirana, Pompeo received the title “Doctor Honoris Causa” from the University of Tirana.

Pompeo, former director of the CIA, is one of the most coveted names to be candidate in the 2024 presidential election.

In recent months, he has been involved in numerous visits within the US but also abroad.

Usually, former US State Secretaries are provided for 180 days after leaving office. But in Pompeii's case, this has lasted.

The UN says it pays more than $2m a month to provide 24 hours of security to the former Secretary of State and his key aides due to threats from Iran.

While in Albania, Pompeii is expected to visit the mujahedin camp in Durres.

Albania has opened its embassy in Washington on July 28th 1922, dating back to establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.