TIRANA, October 3, 2011     The strong diplomatic relationship between Albania and the United States was celebrated in Tirana on October 1, 2011, with a street party thrown by the American Embassy, the Tirana Municipality and the Government of Albania, to mark the 20th anniversary of the reopening of the U.S. Embassy after more than 50 years.  The festivities, which were opened by Tirana Mayor Lulzim Basha and American Ambassador Arvizu, included American and Albanian musical acts, an appearance by Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty, interactive kiosks promoting USAID and other U.S. Government agency programs--as well as various entertainment that included karaoke, face-painting and tattoos.  Approximately 10,000 Albanians attended the street fair, and nearly every major Albania media outlet highlighted the event, with most broadcasters providing live feeds throughout the day.

U.S Ambassador to Albania Alexander Arvizu thanked the Albanian people for letting the United States become a part of the country’s development.  Tirana Mayor Lulzim Basha expressed his gratitude to the United States regarding their important role in key events of the nation’s history. 

The U.S Embassy in Tirana officially reopened on October 1, 1991.

Showcased at the fair was an exhibition entitled “20 Years of Partnership: 1991 to 2011 and Beyond.”  The exhibit highlighted USAID/Albania's most important contributions since 1991 to support Albania’s transition and long term development in areas of economic growth, democracy and governance, rule of law, health, and special initiatives.  The exhibit also highlighted the contributions of the MCC Albania Threshold Programs (2006-2011) which USAID/Albania administered.  The exhibit is available on the USAID/Albania website.

Several USAID partners and organizations participated in the fair festivities, including  the Albanian Olive Oil producers and the Albanian Olive Oil Association, the Albanian Tourism Association, the Albanian Dairy and Meat Association, the Livestock Entrepreneurs Association of Albania, the Essence Producer and Cultivators Association, the Immovable Property Registration System, Albania’s National Telemedicine Center at the Mother Teresa University Hospital, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Consumer Protection, USAID’s Albanian Agriculture Competitiveness Program, and USAID’s Competitive Enterprise Development Program.

Organizations sponsored contests and donated prizes. USAID/Albania would like to thank  Hotel Mondial, Hotel Dynasty, Hotel Theranda, and the Albanian Rafting Group for supporting yesterday’s raffle for hotel accommodations and tourism packages.  A special thank you to the Albanian Livestock Association for bringing the baby calves for children to enjoy and for a photo contest.  USAID/Albania would also like to thank the Albanian Olive Oil Association and the eleven olive oil producers for sponsoring Albania’s first consumer choice tasting contest.

For photos of the Tirana Street Fair, please visit the U.S. Embassy Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/usembassytirana

Prize Winners were: