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New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited Albania where he was received by Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The New York Times reported yesterday that "the mayor's spokeswoman explained that hotel and ground transportation costs will be covered by the Albanian government, while air travel and security costs will be paid by the city of New York."
After the joint press conference, where Rama and Adams did not accept questions, the Albanian prime minister answered with "NO" to the journalist's off-camera question whether it was true that the Albanian government had paid for the expenses of the New York mayor's visit to Tirana.
Meanwhile, another American media outlet, 'Gothamist', has dedicated an article to the visit of New York Mayor Eric Adams to Albania. The 'Gothamist' article mentions that part of Adams' visit to Albania will be paid for by the Albanian government.
It is reported that the Albanian government will pay for Adams' stay in Albania for 4 days as well as part of the transportation in the country. Yesterday, Adams landed in the city of Vlora with an Albanian army helicopter.
While this media outlet emphasizes that mayors should not be allowed to accept gifts from foreign governments, it also emphasizes that Albania has very little economic value to the city of New York and will never become a significant partner.
Full Article:
With just three months left in office, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday that he will take a trip to Albania, with accommodations and ground transportation paid for by the Albanian government. The four-day trip came at the invitation of Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, according to the mayor’s office. Adams is scheduled to depart late Monday and return Thursday. He will fly on Lufthansa Airlines and will be accompanied by his NYPD security officer and senior advisor Gladys Miranda.
Adams’ office described the recent trip as a chance “to discuss new opportunities to boost economic activity and tourism in New York City.” He will meet with Rama, as well as business leaders.
The move abroad comes a little more than a year after Adams was federally indicted on charges that he accepted illegal benefits for international travel from Turkish officials. Shortly before the mayor was due to stand trial, the Trump administration dropped the charges in part to allow Adams to help with federal immigration enforcement. A judge later said the dismissal of the case “consistent with a plea agreement.” Adams denied any wrongdoing.
Adams and his son Jordan Coleman have shown interest in the Balkan nation. Coleman, who is an aspiring rapper, appeared on an Albanian music competition in 2022. Adams referenced that trip during an Albanian cultural event at Gracie Mansion in June.
"I'm so jealous of him, he went to Albania and attended one of your concerts," Adams said. "I can't wait to go to Albania and enjoy the rivers, the seas, the beautiful mountains and everything you have to offer."
According to the mayor's office, the total hotel and transportation costs will be under $300 per day. Adams has had a penchant for traveling abroad for much of his political career. As Brooklyn borough president, Adams reportedly traveled to China seven times. As mayor, he has traveled to Greece, Qatar, Israel and several countries in Latin America.
John Kaehny, who heads the good governance group Reinvent Albany, criticized Adams' decision to take a trip subsidized by a foreign government.
"It's completely incomprehensible," Kaehny said. "Mayors of New York should not be allowed to accept gifts from foreign governments."
Kaehny said taxpayers should pay for the mayor's trip "if it's worth it." But he saw little value in Adams' visit to the Balkan nation. "Albania has extremely minimal economic ties to New York City," he said. "It has no prospect of becoming a significant economic partner."
Adams dropped out of the mayoral race more than a week ago due to dismal polls and fundraising challenges that included being denied critical matching funds by the city's campaign finance board. Kayla Mamelak Altus, a spokeswoman for Adams, said the mayor's trip was in line with city policy. She said the planning took place last week.
"It sounds random to the average ear," she said, but added that it was all in accordance with city guidelines.
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