Following in the footsteps of Pristina, the Tirana municipal council decided on June 8 to name a street after the 43rd President of the United States in celebration of his visit to Albania.

President George W. Bush was the first-ever American president to visit Albania, a move described as historic by the country’s sitting political class and an overwhelmingly pro-American public. After decking their capital in stars and stripes and displaying “Proud to be Partners” posters, Albanians named a thoroughfare after Bush to commemorate his visit for future generations.

The council voted 49 in favour and four against a proposal to turn Puntoret e Rilendjes Street, which passes in front of the Albanian parliament, into George W. Bush Street. A similar move was made in Pristina in 1999 after former American president Bill Clinton visited Kosovo following the NATO, 1999 aerial strike against Milosevic’s forces.

President Moisiu announced that the US president would be awarded the Order of the National Flag, the highest decoration granted to foreigners by Albania.