TIRANA - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday said the United States would support Albania's efforts to join the European Union.

Addressing the Albanian parliament during an official visit, Clinton pointed out that although Albania had a long way to go in conducting free elections and restoring faith in the government, it had been a good model of peace and development in the region.

However, Clinton said the Balkan country had to fight corruption, improve the rule of law and pursue transparent elections and political cooperation as it seeks accession to the EU.

"Free and fair elections are needed to convince Europe that Albania's politics can function smoothly," she said, urging stronger rule of law.

During Clinton's visit to Albania, the last stop of her Balkans trip, she also met Albanian President Bujar Nishani.