13 minutes agoAmerican General appointed by Trump for Ambassador to Tirana: Albanian Special Forces Have Skenderbeu Spirit
Periskopi(a month ago)
(a month ago)President Donald Trump's appointee for the post of US Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendy, has delivered a very positive message to Albania and Albanians during the hearing at the American Senate Foreign Committee.
In his speech before US senators, long-expert general of the American Special Forces stopped especially from working with Albanian troops during his military career, comparing them with the warrior spirit of the Albanian national hero, Gjerrito Skenderbeu.
“as the commander of NATO Special Forces, Albanian special troops were part of my command and have worked with them on the ground in Albania”, Wendt said.
He also recalled his experience in Afghanistan, where he served as deputy commander of a regional command, including Albanian soldiers.
“I have discovered that Albanian special troops embody the warrior spirit of the Albanian hero Skenderbeu, and the Albanian people themselves are proud, hardworking and hospitable”, he said before the Senate Foreign Committee.
His statement was considered one of the most remarkable moments of testimony, as it highlighted not only military co-operation between the United States and Albania but also respect for Albanian history and identity.
Wendt, who has served for more than 34 years in the American Army, including 30 years like the “Green Beret”, said that if confirmed in office, it would focus on strengthening relations between the two countries, fighting corruption and organised crime, as well as expanding co-operation in defence and economy.
He also cited support for increasing American cyber security capacities and investments in sectors such as energy, Artificial Intelligence and infrastructure in Albania.
But the part that attracted the most attention was the way he spoke to Albanian soldiers and people, linking their character to the historical figure of Skenderbeu a comparison that is rarely heard at the highest levels of American diplomacy.
Wendt's statements come at a moment when relations between Albania and the United States of America are considered among the strongest in the region, especially in the area of defence and strategic co-operation within NATO.
