Albanian American Relations Council

06/16/2026

https://www.illyria.com/aarc-among-friends-old-and-new-at-the-congressional-black-caucus-retreat-in-new-york/

06/13/2026

AARC was honored to meet with Representative Nikema Williams of Georgia. Although she represents a district far from our community, we quickly discovered many shared interests and objectives, particularly regarding economic development, international trade, and opportunities for greater engagement between the United States and the Western Balkans.

As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over international finance, Representative Williams expressed a strong interest in the economic and trade prospects of Kosovo, Albania and Northern Macedonia and welcomed a discussion on the region's strategic importance and growing opportunities.

AARC also thanked Representative Williams for introducing House Bill 8731 in support of housing assistance for homeless veterans. This important legislation will have a meaningful impact on veterans across the nation, including those who served during the Kosovo campaign, whose efforts helped liberate Kosovo exactly 27 years ago today.

Representative Williams was eager to learn more about the Albanian-American community, its contributions to American society, and the issues of importance to our constituents. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and working together on matters of mutual interest that strengthen both our communities and our shared values.

Burim Nimon Rexhaj, Secretary of AARC and Vehbi Bajrami, Board Member, joined by Congresswoman Nikema Williams on the photo.

06/05/2026

Newest Member of Albanian issues Caucus. AARC continues to work hard

06/05/2026

CONGRESSWOMAN MALLIOTAKIS JOINS ALBANIAN ISSUES CAUCUS!

We are proud to welcome Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis to the Albanian Issues Caucus following a productive recent meeting with the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC).

Congresswoman Malliotakis publicly announced her decision to join the caucus and work closely with AARC at a recent Albanian-American picnic, where she was joined by AARC Chairman Eli Rusi and Board Members Vehbi Bajrami and Agim Isufi. Her participation and commitment underscore the growing momentum behind strengthening ties between Congress and the Albanian-American community.

One of AARC's core priorities has been the re-establishment, organization, and activation of the Albanian Issues Caucus in Congress to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Albanian people throughout the Balkans and the diaspora. We believe that a strong and engaged caucus can play a vital role in advancing issues of mutual interest and ensuring that Albanian-American voices continue to be heard in Washington.

Today, the caucus stands 20 members strong and continues to grow. This progress has been made possible through the collective efforts of dedicated community leaders and organizations across the country— in New York, Texas, Illinois and Michigan among many others.

Special recognition is due to AARC Board Member Vehbi Bajrami, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in expanding the caucus. Through his personal outreach and advocacy, he was responsible for securing the membership of Congressman Seth Moulton, Congressman Joe Morelle, and Congresswoman Grace Meng, helping to strengthen the caucus and broaden its bipartisan reach.

The Albanian-American community is energized, engaged, and united at a crucial moment for the Balkans. Together, we are building lasting relationships, strengthening bipartisan support, and ensuring that the Albanian-American perspective remains an important part of the national conversation.

We thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for her support and look forward to working together in the years ahead as we continue to grow the Albanian Issues Caucus and advance the interests of the Albanian-American community.

06/01/2026

AARC MEETS WITH CONGRESSWOMAN MALIOTAKIS

Representatives of the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC) met with Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for a productive discussion on key issues affecting the Western Balkans and the Albanian-American community.

Among the topics discussed was the importance of strengthening relations between Greece and Kosovo and encouraging deeper cooperation that could ultimately lead to formal recognition of Kosovo by Greece.

We also raised concerns regarding the rights and status of Albanians in North Macedonia, emphasizing the importance of continued American engagement and monitoring of the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Additionally, we discussed the ongoing student movement and its calls for accountability

We also briefed the Congresswoman on the recent Congressional Delegation (CoDel) visiting the region and discussed its strategic importance amid evolving geopolitical developments in the Western Balkans.

During the meeting, Congresswoman Malliotakis asked several questions about regional dynamics, including which countries are most pro-American, the extent of Russian and Chinese influence in the region, and how Serbia projects influence throughout the Western Balkans.

We noted that Kosovo remains one of the most pro-American societies in the world, while Albania and Albanian communities throughout North Macedonia and Montenegro have consistently demonstrated strong support for the United States and the transatlantic alliance.

We also discussed Serbia’s ongoing efforts to project political, economic, media, and security influence throughout the region, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, often in ways that complicate Euro-Atlantic integration and regional reconciliation efforts.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining regular communication and strengthening cooperation between Congresswoman Malliotakis’s office and AARC. We appreciate her interest in staying informed about our initiatives and her willingness to engage on issues of importance to the Western Balkans. As such, we invited her to join the growing Albanian Issues Caucus.

The meeting was led by AARC Chairman Eli Rusi and was attended by Vice Chair Tony Marke, Secretary Burim Rexhaj, Board members Agim Jusufi and Vehbi Bajrami, and AARC supporters amongst others.

AARC looks forward to continuing this important dialogue and advancing policies that promote stability, democracy, and stronger U.S. engagement throughout the region.

05/08/2026

The Albanian American Relations Council (AARC) was honored to meet with Deputy Minister of Interior of North Macedonia, Dr. Astrit Iseni, and State Advisor Jeton Mehmeti for an important and constructive discussion on the current developments and challenges facing North Macedonia.

Our conversation focused on interethnic relations, the importance of preserving the Albanian language as a guaranteed Constitutional right, and the urgent need to overcome the obstacles facing Albanian law students who continue to be denied the ability to take the Bar Exam in the Albanian language. We also discussed the growing perception of an increasing ethnic divide in the country and the importance of reaffirming the principles and spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, particularly as we approach 25 years since its signing.

Additional topics included North Macedonia’s relations with its neighbors, its strategic partnership with the United States, and the ongoing challenges and opportunities related to EU integration.

AARC reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with all stakeholders and to supporting equality, democratic values, interethnic cooperation, and Euro-Atlantic integration in North Macedonia.

In attendance on behalf of AARC were Board Chairman Eli Rusi, Secretary Burim Rexhaj, Board Member Vehbi Bajrami, President Martin Vulaj, and Administrative Director and Special Advisor Ron Bajrami

04/27/2026

AARC Attends Former Members of Congress Statesmanship Awards Ceremony

https://www.illyria.com/aarc-attends-former-members-of-congress-statesmanship-awards-ceremony/

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

AARC was honored to attend the Former Members of Congress Statesmanship Awards—an evening dedicated to leadership, public service, and principled governance.

We were especially privileged to be seated with the evening’s distinguished honorees: Congressman Bill Huizenga, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, and Congressman Gregory Meeks. It was a pleasure to meet each of them personally and engage in meaningful conversation on issues of shared interest.

Representing AARC at the event were Chairman of the Board Eli Rusi, Board Member Vehbi Bajrami, and Administrative Director Ron Bajrami. Their presence reflects AARC’s continued commitment to building strong relationships with leaders across the political spectrum and advancing the priorities of the Albanian-American community.

Events like these reaffirm the importance of dialogue, partnership, and sustained engagement in shaping policy and strengthening relationships.