Commander of KFOR, Major General Lorenzo D’Addario, paid an official visit to Tirana, where he was welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Defense, Petro Koçi.
Major General D’Addario’s visit to our country takes place in the framework of discussions on key security issues, as well as on the progress and continual support of our country for NATO Operations in Kosovo (KFOR).
Deputy Minister Koçi assessed the importance of KFOR for security in the Republic of Kosovo and expressed Albania’s unconditional support for the integration and strengthening of security and defense institutions.
“KFOR remains a vital mission for Kosovo, a pillar of stability and peace, not only for Kosovo but for the whole region. We welcome the KFOR’s stance of April 4 towards Serbian claims of alleged provocations by the presence of KFOR Albanian soldiers in the north of Kosovo. These are attempts to confine KFOR and not Albanian soldiers who are part of KFOR. If today allegations are raised for Albanians, tomorrow they shall raise allegations for other countries’ soldiers. KFOR has our support. We do support Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspiration and help through the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT) and bilateral cooperation, the Euro-Atlantic reform of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Kosovo.” - said Deputy Minister Koçi.
The two interlocutors praised the role of Albanian servicemen serving for 10 years in KFOR mission in Kosovo.
Subsequently, KFOR Commander Major General D'Addario was also welcomed by Chief of General Staff of AAF, Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku.
After welcoming Major General D'Addario, Brigadier General Kollçaku said that as a NATO member, AAF will continue their contribution to KFOR and support KFOR in fulfilling its commitments. “I value his role and personal leadership for running the KFOR mission, for successfully managing the situation in some very delicate and difficult cases. The role of KFOR is a factor of stability not only in Kosovo, but also in the region,.” - said Brigadier General Kollçaku.
From his part, KFOR Commander Major General D’Addario after thanking the Chief of General Staff of AAF, Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku for the hospitality, praised Albania's contribution to the KFOR mission, where Albanian servicemen have shown and show a high performance. “I appreciate the role of Albania and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania as a very reliable partner and the support that they have given and give to our mission in accomplishing its tasks.”
The two generals stopped in the security situation in Kosovo and the region, expressing common concerns about threats and threats to Kosovo, the region and beyond.
