NATO Mission in Iraq, countries of Adriatic Charter support Albania’s initiative

Published: Wednesday, 25 September 2019 11:26

Albania becomes again the promoter and supporter of peace and security by proposing joint contribution from the US - Adriatic Charter countries (A-5), in the NATO mission in Iraq. A few months after Albania took over the chairmanship of the A-5, Chiefs of Staff of Armed Forces (CHOD) of A-5, gathered in our country at a special conference, and supported the proposal: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia and Montenegro to be part of the NATO Mission in Iraq.

The conference was also attended by Lieutenant General Stephen Twitty, Deputy Commander of the United States European Command (EUCOM). Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka addressed the conference, emphasizing the intensification of cooperation between Albania and the United States over the last two years. Minister Xhaçka stressed once again our country’s position on the “Open Door Policy” regarding US - Adriatic Charter.

“It is more important than ever that the ‘Open Door Policy’: A-5 should become A-6 as soon as possible, or, why not, even A-7. I believe it would be a blessing day for the security of the region, and also a great news for the security of all Europe.”
Appreciating the Adriatic Charter as a roadmap for NATO membership, minister Xhaçka also referred to the obligations these countries have as members of the Alliance.

“Being a NATO member is, above all, a responsibility. This is a responsibility to embrace the values on which the Alliance is built, to work together to consolidate the security and stability of our region, but also to contribute to our collective security wherever necessary. Therefore, I would like to propose to you today, to discuss and approve our proposal for a joint -representation for the A-5 countries in the NATO mission in Iraq”, - the Defence Minister said.


The conference was also attended by the Republic of Kosovo as an observer and as a country that has applied for a membership.
In conclusion, the CHODs of A-5 issued a joint statement in support of Albania’s proposal for Adriatic Charter member countries to participate in the NATO mission in Iraq, delegating this proposal to the A-5 Ministerial, which will be held in Tirana on December this year.