Newsroom Albania signs Euro-Atlantic Defense Agreement, contribution to NATO Joint Force Command (JFCNF) Norfolk, Virginia
On October 2, 2020, at the Supreme Alliance Command, ACO SHAPE Mons, Belgium, the signing ceremony of the Agreement on the Establishment of the new NATO Command, Joint - Force Command Norfolk, took place. The Supreme Alliance Commander in Europe (SACEUR), General Tod D. Wolters (US AIRFORCE), Chief of Staff of the ACO Admiral Joachim RÜHLE (DEU Army) and the national military representatives of the participating States in SHAPE attended the ceremony.
On behalf of the Ministry of Defense, the agreement for Albania was signed by the National Military Representative in SHAPE, ACO Colonel Petrit Çuni.
In his opening remarks, the JFCNF Commander while thanking SACEUR, General Todd D. Wolters and the national military representatives, emphasized:
“More than two years ago, in February 2018, the NATO Defense Ministers of the North Atlantic Council agreed to adapt the structure of NATO Command, including a new structure, the Supreme Allied Sub-Command in Europe, led by SACEUR, SHAPE, with the main focus on defending the Atlantic, as a new military structure of the NATO force.
Later, in June 2018, it was agreed that this new Joint Force Command would be deployed in Norfolk, Virginia USA hosting country.
Under the determined leadership of the US European Command (USECOM), the countries agreed to participate in this new headquarters. SHAPE took over the task, and in a very short time the agreement, the text of the Memorandum of Understanding was finalized. This Memorandum of Understanding is the foundation of this command, regarding the operation, direction, financing, administration and support of the Joint Force, Norfolk Command. It governs the relationship and understanding between the United States of America as a framework country, SHAPE and the contributing countries participating in this command.
Based on the Memorandum of Understanding, in July 2020, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) decided to activate Norfolk Joint Force Command as a NATO military structure with the status of International Military Staff under the Paris Protocol. The Norfolk Command Mission clearly demonstrates the commitment of the United States and other NATO Allies to protect the Alliance, through the engagement of the US Navy's 2nd Fleet to protect the North Atlantic Strategic Lines of Communication and prevent any potential aggression contributing as a NATO response force. Moreover, the establishment of this command goes in line with the Alliance's new approach to 360-degree protection within NATO borders and in accordance with the new defense concept for Euro-Atlantic Deterrence and Defense (DDA).
Albania's role in this command is significant, contributing with two officers at the headquarters of this command, side by side with our allies; USA, Germany, Turkey, UK, Italy, Canada, France, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Spain, Poland, Iceland, Romania and Bulgaria.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks the success of the great efforts undertaken by NATO and its member countries to reorganize the Alliance in order to maintain the peace and prosperity of our countries and people”.
Concluding on the importance of establishing this command, the JFCNF Commander concluded his speech by quoting the speech of former US President Harry Truman, during the signing of the Washington Treaty, the North Atlantic Treaty: “To create a shield against aggression and fear of aggression, a defense, which will allow us to continue the real business of government and society, the business of achieving a happier life for all our citizens”.
