US Support for Defence, Xhaçka: Gratitude for the main Albanian Ally

Published: Tuesday, 10 September 2019 14:19

Millions of dollars of investment and hundreds of projects have significantly modernized the Albanian Armed Forces culminating in the upcoming NATO Air Base in Kuçova. The attention that the United States of America has displayed to Albania has been very significant in the last two years.

At a ceremony attended by US Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses Ones, Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka awarded Defense Attaché Office (DAO) and the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC), the Medal of Appreciation, praising the US contribution in the Security and Defense.

“As I have had the opportunity to talk over with my counterparts during my visits in Pentagon, in terms of contribution per capita, Albania is ranked second behind the USA. The 2018 - 2019 marked an extremely successful period for this cooperation, as the US investments in Albania's Defense have never received greater attention. Our Armed Forces are being transformed into a modern military force, with a level of professionalism that permits to participate on NATO missions side by side with our American and European colleagues”, - the Defense Minister stated.

She emphasized the US contribution in Judicial Reform.

"Today, thanks to the determined and generous support of our American partners, Albania is entering the most vital phase of implementing Judicial Reform. It is clear to every Albanian citizen how important this support is and the crucial role the United States have and continue to have in support of the Albanians' aspiration to build a European state and society based on the rule of law and the values and principles of democracy", - the Minister underlined.

According to Minister Xhaçka, AAF have shown over the years that they know how to be responsible and loyal partners, determined to fulfill the obligations and expectations of their allies. They will continue to contribute in any future mission, or situation to guarantee the US, Alliance and Region security

The United States, according to Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses - Ones: "The United States applauds Albania for its commitment to NATO burden-sharing and supports its continued efforts through 2024".

"The United States supports the Albanian Armed Forces because they have proven countless times over the years that they are ready, willing, and able to fight side-by-side with American and NATO troops anywhere, anytime, under any conditions, and without caveats. This statement is inarguable, even in the face of casualties suffered. Additionally, Albania has honored the Wales Summit Pledge and continues to increase spending on National Defense towards the goal of 2% of GDP per year.” - the US Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. stated.

US contribution to Defense and Security in Albania extends from armored vehicles to Light Infantry Battalion Group, Cyber Response Center, effective training and education, Black Hawk helicopter equipment, projects in interconnection systems. It includes more than one million dollars’ worth of flood response equipment and more than 800 thousand dollars in humanitarian assistance each year.