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Mayor Adams hosts secret reception with Albanian leaders at Gracie Mansion
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Nov 11, 2025
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Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Nov 11, 2025
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One month after traveling to Albania, Mayor Eric Adams held a reception at Gracie Mansion with government officials from the Balkan nation and other members of the local Albanian community.
Friday’s event, which did not appear on the mayor’s schedule, is the latest example of the increasingly cozy relationship between Adams and Albania as he prepares to leave office. A City Hall spokesperson said the event was scheduled at Adams’ request, but left off of his official schedule because he only decided to attend at the last minute. A spokesperson for Adams confirmed the event after an inquiry from Gothamist.
Among the attendees were Albania’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, Megi Fino, and Albania’s ambassador to the U.S., Ervin Bushati, according to the mayor’s office.
Adams has cultivated unusually close ties to Albania. After ending his re-election bid last month, the mayor took a four-day trip to Albania for meetings with government officials that he said were focused on tourism and business opportunities. The Albanian government covered the cost of lodging and ground transportation.
Adams’ son, Jordan Coleman, competed in an “American Idol”-inspired contest in Albania in 2022. The mayor has held three flag-raisings for Albania.
Zachary Nosanchuk, a spokesperson for Adams, said the reception was sponsored by the Albanian Americans Relations Council, a nonprofit that describes its mission as fostering dialogue between the two countries.
Unlike other cultural events attended by the mayor, City Hall also did not release a transcript of Adams’ remarks.
The mayor has hinted that his post-mayoralty plans may include working for foreign governments. “Countries are calling me and asking me to come and do what I did in New York City,” he told reporters on Election Day.
The Trump administration hast not yet nominated a U.S. ambassador to Albania.
Last year, Adams was indicted on federal corruption charges that included accepting illegal flight upgrades on trips to Turkey. The case was later dismissed at the request of the Trump administration.
About 100 people attended the event, which included food and drink, according to the mayor’s office. Along with Adams, Deputy Mayor Tiffany Raspberry was also present.
One of the attendees, Marko Kepi, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for state and local office, posted photos of the event on Instagram.
Kepi, who is Albanian American, told Gothamist that the reception was an annual event that comes around Albanian Independence Day, which is Nov. 28.
“It happens every year for the community,” he said.
Arthur Rotshteyn, a Republican whose LinkedIn profile lists him as a director of intergovernmental relations in the New York State Assembly, also posted photos of the event on social media. He did not respond to a request for comment.
Adams held an Albanian cultural reception as recently as June, where he kicked off the first Albanian parade.
During his remarks, the mayor said he was “jealous” that his son was able to visit the country.
“I can't wait until I get to Albania and enjoy the beautiful rivers and seas and mountains and all that you have to offer,” Adams said.
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Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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