Xhaçka at NATO Joint Command reconfirms the open door policy and cooperation in the region

Published: Wednesday, 06 March 2019 13:47

Albania is once again assessed for its key role in the security and stability in the Western Balkans. The Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka paid a working visit at Allied Joint Force Command, Naples, where she was welcomed by the Commander of this force, Admiral James Foggo, who is at the same time Commander of the US Naval Forces for Europe and Africa. The Western Balkans is one of the areas of responsibility of the Joint Force Command in Naples.

During the meeting, the Defence Minister underlined the strategic leadership of NATO in the South of the Alliance as a crucial contribution to peace and stability in this area of the Alliance.

She assured the American Admiral that our country will continue to promote the open door policy and cooperation between the countries of the region.

“Albania is determined to be the center of peace, security and stability in the Western Balkans as well as the key voice for the Euro-Atlantic values and aspirations of the countries of the region, including Kosovo. The only future for the Western Balkans is the westward orientation in the view of a more secure and protected region from the threats coming from Russia,” - said Minister Xhaçka at the meeting with Admiral Foggo.

Referring to the Commander of the United Force, Albania has shown to be a worthy member of the Alliance contributing to peace and security through its participation in NATO peacekeeping missions and its active role in the region.

“The contribution and role of Albania in the cooperation between the countries of the region is impressive,” said Admiral Foggo during the meeting with the Albanian Minister of Defence.
“The Regional Conference of the Western Balkans and the Black Sea that the United Allied Force Command will hold in Tirana during May will be also an evidence of this contribution,” concluded the Admiral.

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