The 14th Contingent departs to the Aegean Sea, Koçi: Contribution to Europe's security

Published: Friday, 11 October 2019 17:53

The contribution of the Albanian Armed Forces to NATO's "Sea Guardian" mission will continue with the 14th Contingent, departed today from the Port of Durrës to the Aegean Sea. The departure ceremony of the Albanian sailors was attended by the Defense Deputy Minister Petro Koçi, the Deputy Naval Force Commander Captain Artur Meçollari, the Prefect of Durrës Roland Nasto, members of the Fleet as well as family members of the contingent.

Deputy Minister Koci praised the commitment of our sailors to the Aegean Sea as a contribution to the security of Europe and wished good luck to them. "Illegal migration brings not only social instability but also risks of terrorism because it often carries elements of violent extremism. This is a military contribution of the Republic of Albania so that Europe does not have such consequences anymore. Therefore, in these days of the potential opening EU accession negotiations for Albania, it is a contribution that makes us feel proud, because it is a service we render to the UE. And this is made possible thanks to the decisions of the Government of the Republic of Albania, and definitely thanks to the concrete contribution of our Armed Forces and in particular that of our Naval Force. With today's contingent, the number of personnel deployed so far in this mission reaches circa 300, which is significant for a small country like Albania."

Deputy Naval Force Commander Captain Artur Meçollari mentioned the Allies' assessments that the Albanian contingents have received so far for their contribution to the Aegean Sea, and thanked in particular the family members of the servicemen for the sacrifices and support.

The 14th Contingent will be patrolling in the Oriku Ship Operation Area and Commander the 3rd Rank Captain Albion Bitraj.

The contingent crew consists of 21 servicemen, including 2 females.

Albania has been contributing for 3 years to the NATO operation in the Aegean Sea, where about 300 effective and 3 ships have been patrolling through thousands of hours of operation, rescuing and preventing hundreds of illegal immigrants.

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