"Defender Europe 21" in Tiranë, Defence Minister Niko Peleshi: Youth should consider the AAF as a golden career opportunity

Published: Sunday, 23 May 2021 14:31

After the tour in several cities, the exercise "Defender Europe 21" stayed in Tirana. Residents had the opportunity to look closer at "Black Hawk" helicopters, armored vehicles, and various demonstrations of American and Albanian troops.
After both Albanian and American anthems were played, the opening speech was given by the Chief of Defence Major General Bajram Begaj.
He expressed the commitment of the Albanian military to be close to the citizens in any situation. He assured NATO allies that the Armed Forces are ready to stand side by side with the Allies in any engagement.
"Gratitude to our strategic ally USA. I guarantee them and all NATO allies that the Albanian military will be ready for any engagement and any mission whenever requested by the allies and the Alliance and authorized by the country's authorities. We will give the Albanians’ trust and loyalty, the willpower, and military professionalism to stand side by side with the Americans and the Alliance even in the most difficult situations.", - stated Major General Bajram Begaj.



Defence Minister Niko Peleshi addressed the youth to see the Armed Forces as a "golden career opportunity”. Minister Peleshi said that "Defender 21" was the biggest opportunity to test our military capabilities. "Today is an open day for “Defender 21”, the largest held in the last decade in the Western Balkans. Today, we have brought this exercise to the heart of Tirana, to conduct it in front of the citizens and to show the civils that all our military power has, like Albania, as a NATO ally, and alongside the US. This effort aims to maintain peace, strengthen democracy, to make us feel safe and secure for the future. Today we have given the opportunity to the citizens to experience what it means to be proud to be Albanian. After 12 years of NATO membership, today we had the greatest opportunity in our history to test ourselves and our capacity. I invite young people to consider joining the Armed Forces as their golden opportunity.", - said Minister Peleshi.

US Ambassador Yuri Kim highlighted that Albania's relationship with the U.S will be a priority. As friends and allies, the U.S. and Albanian soldiers have been at each other’s side in numerous conflicts, from Kosovo to Afghanistan to Iraq and beyond. And we know from those experiences that America has a true and courageous friend in Albania.
“Defender 21” opens an exciting new path to greater strategic cooperation. This path will see U.S. soldiers returning to Albania to train, build partnerships, and make friends for life. I believe the success of “Defender 21” reflects the commitment of the leaders and people of Albania.” – stated Ambassador Yuri Kim.

While praising the serviceman and congratulating the U.S Ambassador for her impressive commitment in strengthening the defense capacities and justice system, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated the next joint mission between Albania and the U.S will be the boost of its capacities, in terms of enhancing the quality of the human resources of our Armed Forces. "The confidence the USA has continuously placed to this partnership and in this big strategic alliance with tiny Albania culminates with "Defender Europe 21" military exercise, which is not by chance the largest exercise with the most significant participation of troops that the history of our region has ever seen. On the other hand, I am fully confident, also taking notice of the conversation with the army generals, who honored us with their presence at the opening of this exercise, as well as the continued conversations and interaction with the U.S. Ambassador we will succeed in taking more significant steps aimed at enhancing the quality of the human resources of the Armed Forces, creating this way a very attractive space and also materialize the Defence Minister’s appeal to the young people, who should see the Armed Forces as an address and a golden opportunity for their education and post-education career.", - stated the Prime Minister.

Mr. Rama emphasized that funding a new academic capacity in view of boosting human resources within the Armed Forces and in partnership with the United States is the next goal and joint mission between the government of the Republic of Albania and the U.S. Embassy here in Albania.



President Ilir Meta said that the operations of Albanian and American troops have been successful and the objectives have been achieved. "Supporting and sharing experiences between our forces will serve to increase our defense capabilities in the future. I express my wholehearted gratitude for the contribution and support of the United States and other countries that chose Albania as the host country for an important exercise. As a NATO member country, we are a highly valued country for this reason. NATO is the greatest alliance of freedom and the trust of the Albanian people and the support is unanimous, just like our European vocation", - emphasized Mr. Meta.



"Defender Europe 21" is the largest US-led military exercise that has taken place in the Western Balkans and Albania is the main location. About 28,000 troops from the United States and other NATO allies are demonstrating an increase in military capabilities to cooperate as military allies.