NATO Secretary General discusses Afghanistan, Balkans with Albanian Prime Minister

17 September 2013

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed NATO missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo and security in the wider Balkans with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Tuesday (17 September 2013). “Albania makes a valuable contribution to NATO. You make a valuable contribution to our missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo. And through your cooperation with your neighbours, you make a valuable contribution to security across the region,” the Secretary General said. He stressed, “this is a time of hope and opportunity in the Western Balkans, a time to build for the future, not look to the past.”

The Secretary General recalled that NATO is on track to complete its combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of next year. Meanwhile the Alliance is stepping up training and exercises. “We now have the most capable and best connected forces in NATO history and we will keep them strong to ensure that we continue to stand ready to deal with any challenge to our shared security,” said the Secretary General. He said this was particularly important at a time when all Allies face tough economic decisions. “So we need to work even more closely together to maintain and acquire the capabilities that few of us can afford alone and to provide our citizens with the best value for money,” said Mr. Fogh Rasmussen.

The Secretary General thanked Prime Minister Rama for visiting NATO so early in his term as a strong signal of his personal commitment to the Alliance.

Originally taken from NATO’s website: www.nato.int