SECRETARY CLINTON: Mr. President, distinguished officials, let me express a deep sense of appreciation and honor for the receipt of this award. I certainly accept it on behalf of the United States of America and the Obama Administration, and on behalf of the United States of America. The United States has been, is today, and will remain a strong partner and friend to Albania and to the people of Albania as they move forward into the future, independent, free, democratic, confident, and build the kind of Albania that will be a great model and credit to the people and the next generation.

I am proud to be a friend, and I will continue to be so. And I thank you again for bestowing upon me this extraordinary honor, and I will pledge to continue to do my best to fully deserve it now and in the future.