A working dinner with intense political and business symbolism took place Wednesday evening in Vlora, featuring Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ivanka Trump. The presence of the former U.S. President’s daughter did not go unnoticed, as it directly relates to one of the most ambitious investments planned in the country in recent years.
According to sources, a polyphonic ensemble performed at the dinner venue, while members of Ivanka Trump’s working team and architects from various countries were also present. The atmosphere was described as particularly friendly, with images showing embraces between Ivanka Trump and Edi Rama after the meeting concluded.
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ivanka Trump, the daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, held a working dinner on Wednesday evening in the city of Vlora.#Albania #USA #Trump https://t.co/pXh4xrnBdZ
— Euronews Albania (@EuronewsAlbania) January 21, 2026
Ivanka Trump and Rama: Behind the scenes of the Sazan investment
Ivanka Trump’s visit to Vlora is part of the investment she is planning together with her husband, Jared Kushner, on Sazan Island. The island, which for decades served as a military base and remained closed to the public, aspires to be transformed into a luxury tourist resort.
Footage broadcast by Euronews Albania shows Ivanka Trump leaving the dinner in the same vehicle as Edi Rama, accompanied by a large motorcade, an image that reinforced discussions about the close relationship between political power and business interests.
Prime Minister Edi Rama had a private dinner in Vlora 🇦🇱with Ivanka Trump, accompanied by a traditional polyphonic performance. pic.twitter.com/5KH9YJHAgM
— Illyricum (@FilteredZero) January 21, 2026
The “Trump island” and public reactions
Sazan Island, known for its natural beauty and history as a classified military zone, has become a symbol of a new era for Albania. The investment, which according to sources exceeds $1 billion, is accompanied by strong reactions from environmental organizations and transparency advocates.
Criticism is being leveled both for the environmental impact and for the lack of transparent procedures, while voices speaking about transforming the area into a field serving international interests are not lacking. On the other hand, the Albanian government defends the plan, speaking of development, tourism, and international promotion of the country.
