In the framework of an official visit to the Republic of Italy, Defence Minister Niko Peleshi paid a visit to the Joint Force Command in Naples (JFCNP), where he was received by its commander, Admiral Robert Burke.
After welcoming him, Admiral Burke acquainted Minister Peleshi with some of the tasks of the command he leads and focused on the role and responsibilities that this command has in the Western Balkans region. He highly praised the contribution of the Albanian Armed Forces in NATO-led missions and operations and stressed the constructive role that our country plays in the stability and regional cooperation of the Western Balkan countries.
In particular, Admiral Burke, focused on the progress of the NATO mission in Kosovo (KFOR), where he praised the contribution of AAF personnel on this mission, as well as in the Operation "Allied Solace".
On his part, Minister Peleshi thanked Admiral Burke for the hospitality and congratulated him on the leadership shown in the direction of this command, which is of particular importance due to its role in our region.
Further, Mr. Peleshi discussed with Admiral Burke the latest developments on the east side of the Alliance and noted the connection of Russia's current actions in and around Ukraine with the hybrid activities that Russia carries out in the Western Balkans region. Thereby, Minister Peleshi requested increased attention of the Joint Force Command in our region, thus preventing the influence of malicious actors in the region.
Moreover, Mr. Peleshi focused on the developments in Kosovo and he stressed the national importance that this country has for Albania. He mentioned the constant support that Albania gives to Kosovo in every field and focused on the developments that often occur on the Kosovo-Serbia border, where there can be noticeable disproportionate reactions from Serbia. These reactions are unacceptable and must be addressed primarily politically by the European Union and NATO, but also with concrete actions and attitudes by the NATO mission in Kosovo (KFOR).
Minister Peleshi assured Admiral Burke of Albania's constant support for the KFOR mission and informed him of the increase of the Albanian Armed Forces contribution to this mission, starting from February of this year.
At the end of this visit, Minister Peleshi had a meeting with the Albanian staff serving in this command, whom he thanked for their work, professionalism, and dignified representation, testifying to him again that the Albanian military is the best "ambassadors" of our country in conveying and promoting our national values.
