Minister Xhaçka official visit to Croatia: A new cooperation impetus in the field of Defence between the two countries

Published: Tuesday, 12 March 2019 15:56

Albania and Croatia will significantly increase cooperation in the domain of Defense and Security after signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Croatian Defense Minister Damir Krstičević and Minister Olta Xhaçka during her official visit to Zagreb, which coincides with the 10th Anniversary of Membership of the two countries in NATO.

At the meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and at the same time Croatian Defense Minister Krstičević with Minister Xhaçka, there were evaluated the excellent bilateral relations over the years, as well as discussing the current security challenges in the Western Balkans.

The two ministers shared the same view that the membership of Albania and Croatia in NATO has further contributed to the stability of the region.
Minister Krstičević expressed his happiness upon signing the memorandum and expressed gratitude for our country, which has therefore responded positively to Croatia's request for a joint exercise in the framework of the 10th Anniversary of NATO Membership.

“I am pleased that we signed today a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Defence, which will offer additional stimulus and will provide a good basis for further development of our cooperation. I thank Albania, which confirmed its participation in the international military training “Immediate Response 19”, organized by Croatia on the occasion of the anniversary of NATO membership.” - said the Croatian Minister.
On her behalf, Minister Xhaçka required from Croatia to continue and support Kosovo in its Euro-Atlantic integration pathway, to ensure full integration of the entire Western Balkans into NATO and the European Union.
Minister Xhaçka also appreciated the importance of the memorandum, which is signed after 16 years and that fits the challenges of the time.
“After 16 years I am convinced that this Memorandum will bring a new impetus to the cooperation in the field of Defence between our two countries, as I am convinced that this new Memorandum of Understanding will redirect the focus of interoperability in the field of Defence and Security between our countries, adapting to new challenges, specific needs, mutual bilateral engagement, but also regional and NATO cooperation.

We are confident that from now on, our cooperation will be even more qualitative, serving as a key element on behalf of security and stability in the Western Balkans region and in the Euro-Atlantic area,” said Minister Xhaçka.
Part of the dialogue between the two ministers was also cooperation in the field of military education and training, and in this framework the Albanian military personnel could become part of the Military Maritime Naval Studies Center in Split.

During her visit to Croatia, Minister Xhaçka also met with Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and Deputy Prime Minister, at the same time Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić.

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