The decree was published in Albania's official government journal. Adams visited Albania for four days in October toward the end of his time as mayor. During the trip, Adams and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama discussed collaborating more strongly in tourism and technology.
According to the Associated Press, Adams said he would champion a direct flight from New York to Albania. It remains unclear why Adams sought Albanian citizenship and a passport, and whether he has officially confirmed or commented on obtaining it. Adams was mayor of New York City from the start of 2022 to the end of 2025.
He dropped out of seeking the Democratic nomination for re-election amid a federal corruption case that was later dismissed after an intervention from Donald Trump's administration. Adams campaigned as an independent but then dropped out, endorsed Andrew Cuomo, and attacked progressive Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani defeated Cuomo decisively in November and succeeded Adams to become New York City's first Muslim mayor.
In March, Mamdani's administration moved to stop representing Adams in a lawsuit alleging Adams sexually assaulted a woman more than three decades earlier. The lawsuit was filed while Adams was still mayor under a state law that extended the time limit to bring sexual assault lawsuits. Adams has vehemently denied the sexual assault allegations in the lawsuit.
The plaintiff in the lawsuit has publicly identified herself as Lorna Beach-Mathura. The current status of the sexual assault lawsuit against Adams is not specified in available reports.