American Ambassador Yuri Kim declared Wednesday that she is proud of the relations between the USA and Albania and the cooperation between them in the field of security and defense.

In her farewell speech, the Ambassador said that she will leave with all respect for Albanian history, traditions and kindness.

"The United States was proud to follow your leadership when Albania was at the helm of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and we have been proud to be your closest partner in the UN Council. We must emphasize that it is not the rules that threaten peace and security around the world, but their breaking. We appreciate your partnership in supporting Ukraine and confronting Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion.

Around the world, people have been inspired, including the USA, as they have seen that the Albanians have taken the vulnerable Afghans out of danger. Albania was the first to volunteer to host the Afghans, an extraordinary display of the Albanian tradition of hospitality and honor, and the Albanian people deserve tremendous respect for what they have done. US-Albania relations have never been stronger.

We had the pleasure to announce in the year of the 100th anniversary that Albanians qualified for visas in 10 years instead of in three years. In the first year since we implemented this program, over 24,000 Albanians received 10-year visas. This is a big step forward for connectivity and business travel between our countries. I believe that the day will come when no visa will be required at all. I am proud of the progress we have made together.

We have made great strides to advance our partnership, much work remains, but what we have done in the last three years will inspire us all that Albanians and Americans never give up. The Albanian people deserve nothing less. I want to express something personal that my experience here has changed me in many different ways.

I will leave Albania with a lot of respect for your history, traditions, the legendary perseverance of the Albanians. I will leave with gratitude for your kindness and goodness. I will leave with stronger sympathy and solidarity for your impatience and for a better future for your children. I will leave here with a greater hope for this land like ours," said Kim.