Prishtina, 25 August 2026
One day after the decree issued by Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu granting citizenship to former Congressman Joe DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti hosted the two in his office and subsequently met with members of the Board of the Albanian American Civic League.
During the cordial meeting, Prime Minister Kurti thanked them for their immeasurable contribution over nearly four decades, from the United States Congress to the Albanian American Civic League. “Both of them have always and unwaveringly stood by the nation and the Albanian people. Joe and Shirley have always taken an interest in developments in Kosovo and have offered valuable ideas and contributions,” said the Prime Minister.
He also thanked the members of the League’s Board, with whom he had a pleasant discussion about their valuable engagement and unwavering dedication to their homeland, as well as current developments and the future.
The first American Congressman of Albanian origin, Joe DioGuardi, together with such figures as Tom Lantos, Bob Dole and Eliot Engel, was among the early and powerful voices supporting our cause at a time when our people most needed to have their voice heard around the world.
“Kosovo was fortunate and blessed to have such ambassadors, even when the Republic of Kosovo had no embassy in the United States. Therefore, as a state and as a people, we will always be grateful,” the Prime Minister stressed.
