Albania "breaks" the rules. NATO accepts Xhaçka's invitation and lands in Tirana

Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 12:25

NATO entrusts Albania the organization of the Defense Ministerial, thus appreciating the role that our country plays in the region stabilization. This will be the first time that a Defense Ministerial will be run in the Western Balkans, as meetings are held in Belgium for more than 10 years.

The Defense Ministers of NATO member countries approved at a meeting of the Atlantic Council in Brussels the proposal of the Defense Minister, Olta Xhaçka, to hold the Defense Ministerial in Tirana in June.

"The Alliance's decision to meet in Albania is not only a maximum appreciation for the security that our country conveys as a worthy Ally, but also a strong NATO message for its attention toward the Western Balkans and the important role Albania plays as a factor of stability in the region”, - the Minister said at the conclusion of the Defense Ministerial held in Brussels on February 12 and 13.

But, according to Minister Xhaçka, "The important meeting that is expected to take place in June is at the same time our responsibility as an occasion to properly represent our country at the biggest event since our NATO membership 11 years ago. It is an undertaking that, in addition to coordination between all institutions, will also demonstrate our seriousness to be the world’s Headquarters of Defense and Security for 48 hours. "

At the meeting of the Atlantic Council, Minister Xhaçka thanked the Allied Countries that were close to the Albanian people in the early hours of November 26th and all those who continue to assist us in the important phase of reconstruction.

During the Brussels Ministerial, the Defense Minister met with US Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper. For the United States, Defense is the first priority, while the US Government and taxpayers are the main supporters of the Albanian Armed Forces.