By Christine June
Public Affairs Office
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (Aug. 11, 2015) – Dr. Valbona Zeneli, professor of national security studies and deputy director of the Central and Southeast European Program at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, discussed issues of economic security as one of the most pressing challenges for Southeast Europe to six members of the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the first Language for Diplomacy workshop at the Marshall  Center’s Partner Language Training Center, Europe here Aug. 10.

The aim of this three-week workshop is to assist members of the Kosovo diplomatic corps to develop highly-polished, executive-level professional writing and communication skills that are directly related to their jobs as embassy and consular officials, said Peggy Garza, chair of the English Language Programs Department at the Marshall Center’s Partner Language Training Center, Europe.

The hands-on workshop will provide extensive practice in producing official documents, such as those required in embassy and consular work.

Participants will improve their oral discourse, including conducting meetings and negotiations, as related to diplomacy.

Like this presentation, lectures and discussions on security-related topics are provided by Marshall Center College of International Security Studies’ professors, said Dr. Matt Rhodes, professor of National Security Studies and director of Central and South Eastern Europe.

As deputy, Zeneli helps oversee work in eight resident courses and up to 200 outreach and alumni activities per year affecting 700 resident participants and 2,000 others in the region, affecting defense and security professionals in both regional and transnational programs.

Her current research and teaching interests include international economics, transatlantic relations, and institutional development in the transition economies, corruption, and Southeast European security issues.

Before joining Marshall Center in 2011, Zeneli served as a professor of international economics at the European University of Tirana from 2009 TO 2011 and associate professor at the New York University of Tirana from 2005 TO 2010.

Zeneli has previously served as chief of protocol and later economic adviser to the Albanian prime minister form 2003 to 2005. Prior to that, she worked as adviser to the minister of economy of Albania from 2002 to 2003.

Zeneli’ academic credentials include a PhD in international political economy from the University of Studies of Bari, Italy, as well as a postgraduate studies degree on international marketing from Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Bologna, Italy, where she graduated with honors. Zeneli is also a graduate of the Marshall Center’s Leaders Program in International and Security Studies, and a graduate of the Harvard’s University Kennedy School of Government Executive Education program.

PLTCE offers intermediate, advanced and specialized classroom instruction in 10 languages and dialects for about 400 U.S., NATO and Partnership for Peace military and civilian linguists each year.

The mission of the Marshall Center, as a vital instrument of German-American cooperation, is to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions and relationships; promoting active, peaceful, whole-of-government approaches to address transnational and regional security challenges; and creating and enhancing enduring partnerships worldwide.

For those who are interested in attending a Marshall Center resident program, call the Registrar's Office at +49 (0)8821-750- 2656/2530/2327 or 314-4402-656/530/327, or email registrar [at] marshallcenter.org.