Military equipment of “Defender Europe 2021” displayed in Vlora, Peleshi and Yuri Kim: When the allies work together, they can take on any challenge on land and air

Published: Friday, 21 May 2021 12:57

American and Albanian troops, part of the exercise "Defender Europe 2021" have displayed equipment and put on a show of force for the citizens of Vlora in "Lungomare".

The event was attended by Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, US Ambassador Yuri Kim, as well as representatives of NATO allies.
Defence Minister Pelesh stated: "This Open Day has the mission not only to bring this exercise closer to the public but also to bring closer civilian and military life because the mission of the Armed Forces is to provide peace, stability for the citizens, as well as to provide civil protection. Today we have seen the equipment, different forces, our contingent, our troops who are working alongside the American forces, they are exchanging and gaining experience and we are very happy and proud of that. I also greet the citizens of Vlora, all the former military who have accompanied us and their Union. This is not a day for the ambassadors or personalities, but it is a day for the citizens, who have the opportunity to look closer and understand what the Albanian Army is, what the Defender '21 exercise aims for, what our capacities are and in the end to get a taste of all this and to feel proud to be an Albanian ", - said Minister Peleshi.



On her behalf, US Ambassador Yuri Kim said the priorities of the United States remain Democracy, Defense, and business. "We are now entering a significant period. “Defender 21” is the largest military exercise that has taken place in the Western Balkans and Albania is hosting most of the activities. It means that thousands of troops from the US, but also other NATO allies, some of whom are represented here today, are demonstrating an increase in our ability to work together as military allies." , – stated US Ambassador Yuri Kim.



While mentioning the sites that she and Minister Peleshi have visited in the framework of this exercise, Ambassador Yuri Kim emphasized that: "When NATO allies work together, they can take on any challenge on land, sea, and air. Together with this historic development in Defense, we have seen that there are major business developments on another side, which means major developments on the part of American business in the field of energy."