The US Embassy in Tirana held a welcoming reception for new Ambassador Eric Wendt. The event was organized at a hotel in the former Blloku area, under tight security.
Around 130 people, including the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, are invited to the reception that began at around 6:00 p.m. The event was attended by political representatives, officials of state institutions, ministers, heads of justice bodies, and personalities from various fields.
The absence of Prime Minister Edi Rama was noticeable, for whom it is not known whether he had an invitation or the head of government did not go due to some other commitment. Also absent was the leader of the opposition, Sali Berisha, who confirmed a few days ago that he had not received an invitation. However, on Friday afternoon, Berisha appeared at a meeting with the Democrats in Korça.
Among those present was the chairman of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party, Gazment Bardhi, accompanied by MP Oerd Bylykbashi. The head of the socialist parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, had also received an invitation and also attended the reception.
Also present at the event were former Speaker of the Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, along with MP Bledi Çuçi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and Defense.
Also present was Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, who was among the first officials to meet Ambassador Wendt upon his arrival in Tirana.
During the evening, other senior officials were seen arriving, including the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Enea Karakaçi, the Minister of Culture, Blendi Gonxhe, the Minister of Justice, Toni Gogu, and Minister Mirela Kumbaro.
The guest list also included representatives of religious communities. The World Grandmaster of the Bektashi Order, Baba Mondi, also attended the reception. ©LAPSI.al
