WASHINGTON, May 20 (BV) — , President ’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Albania, praised Albanian soldiers and highlighted the strategic importance of Porto Romano during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.
Wendt said Albania had become an increasingly important NATO ally and argued that Porto Romano could play a major role in the alliance’s future military logistics and regional infrastructure.
“Porto Romano is a key port that, if it develops a secure cargo facility in the future, could allow military equipment to enter there, and it would be very beneficial for NATO,” Wendt said.
He added that the project could also create opportunities for American businesses involved in infrastructure and port modernization.
Wendt praised Albanian forces he had worked with during NATO missions in Afghanistan, describing them as “brave” and “good men.”
“Albanians, at least those I served with in Afghanistan, have a lot of courage,” he said, stressing the importance of ensuring Albanian forces remain equipped according to NATO standards.
The nominee also said Albania had met NATO defense spending benchmarks agreed at The Hague, including targets related to defense infrastructure and cybersecurity investments.
Wendt previously served in NATO special operations structures and in security coordination roles involving Israel and the Palestinian territories.
He told senators that his leadership approach would focus first on listening and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Washington and Tirana.
The comments come as NATO expands its strategic focus in the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean amid rising tensions linked to Russia, regional instability and energy security routes.
Albania has increasingly positioned itself as one of Washington’s closest partners in the Western Balkans, particularly in defense, cybersecurity and anti-corruption cooperation.
During the hearing, Wendt also praised Albania’s Special Forces, saying they embodied “the fighting spirit of Skanderbeg,” referring to Albanian national hero .