At the end of a difficult year, Xhaçka to NATO’s Defence Attachés: the Support of Alliance, noteworthy

Published: Wednesday, 09 December 2020 15:49

The year-end meeting with the foreign Defence Attachés accredited in the Republic of Albania took place on December 9, 2020. Considering the pandemic situation, the meeting was held online.

The main focus of the meeting was a general presentation on the Albanian Armed Forces, their role and mission, their participation in missions abroad as well as bilateral cooperation, regional and international.

The meeting was attended by NATO Defence Attachés accredited in our country (and non-residents) as well as the Defence Attaché of Kosovo.

Minister of Defense Mrs. Olta Xhaçka opened the meeting by a greeting speech thanking the Defence Attachés and the countries they represent for the cooperation so far with our Ministry of Defense, emphasizing the continuing support that these NATO countries offer for our country. In particular, Ms. Xhaçka expressed gratitude for the respirators provided by NATO, considering it as a valuable help in coping with the situation we are going through.

Ms. Xhaçka confirmed that the Ministry of Defense will continue its contribution as a worthy NATO Ally, as well as continue its commitment to strengthening bilateral, regional and international cooperation.

The meeting was followed by the greeting speech of the Chief of General Staff, Major General Bajram Begaj, who among other things underlined that the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania will continue to fulfill their obligations as a NATO member country and will continue their contribution for ensuring peace and order in the region and beyond.

After the presentation on the main activities undertaken by the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff during 2020, their role and contribution during the pandemic period, foreign military attaches were introduced to the commitments for 2021.

The last session of the meeting was dedicated to questions which were addressed by Defence Attachés and received answers from representatives of the responsible structures of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff.

At the end of the meeting, the Defence Attachés expressed their gratitude for the work done so far by the Ministry of Defense, as well as its dedication to the fulfillment of tasks and activities despite the deteriorating situation of COVID-19.