Defence Deputy Minister Koçi participates in the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels

Published: Friday, 28 June 2019 12:55

Defence Deputy Minister Petro Koçi participated in the NATO Defence Ministers meeting that was held in Brussels on 26 - 27 June. This meeting is of particular importance to the Alliance, which continues to advance on adaption of its agenda, on collective defense, on burden-sharing, crisis management as a result of the unstable security environment.

The Defense Ministers addressed and shared the same views on Russia's behavior and violations of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the need for continued efforts to strengthen collective defense, intensify the Forces' readiness and the mobility of troops in the area of responsibility of NATO's Supreme Commander in Europe. Ministers approved a new overarching space policy and exchanged views on technological developments and innovation as key elements for superiority to opponents. The Allies also discussed with their support mission in Afghanistan and reaffirmed this commitment.

Mr. Koçi underlined Albania's dynamic role in the Alliance and maintain the commitments to increase the defense budget according to the agreed national plan, in building capacities and Albania's quality operational contributions to many countries around the globe.

He also shared US concerns over Iran's behavior and stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a fundamental principle of international law.

The Defence Ministers meeting of the global coalition against ISIS, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Albanian government to be actively alongside the US in the fight against terrorism. Mr. Koçi had the opportunity to meet with Secretary General Stoltenberg, whom he thanked for the recent visit to Tirana, US Secretary of State Mark Esper, whom he congratulated for taking office, as well as Canada's Minister of Defense Harjit Singh Sajjan, who expressed his condolences for the loss of lives of our officers in Latvia, in the enhanced Forward Presence of NATO led by Canada.

This meeting and the one in October 2019 will serve to prepare the meeting of Heads of States and Governments of NATO, to be held in London on 3-4 December 2019.