Online NATO Ministerial, Defence Minister Peleshi: Determined to Implement Wales Summit Commitments

Published: Thursday, 03 June 2021 14:17

The Defence Ministers of NATO met via a video conference on June 1st, 2021. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues that precede the Summit of the Heads of State and of NATO country's governments on June 14th, 2021. NATO 2030 initiative and the future of NATO engagement in Afghanistan were some of the essential issues discussed during the meeting.
The Defense Ministers focused on addressing issues on NATO's 2030 agenda related to strengthening the Alliance and its unity as well as the commitment to collective defense.

With regard to Afghanistan, the Defence Ministers agreed that the best way to contribute to the Afghan Security Forces, the government, and the Afghan people, is to continue NATO support for peacekeeping. Further, the Secretary-General emphasized the continued provision of NATO capacity-building advice and support to Afghan Security Institutions and the funding of the Afghan Security Forces. He also said that NATO would provide support for training and exercises outside Afghanistan, especially for the Afghan Special Forces, as well as how to finance support services for the international diplomatic community-based in Kabul, including support for the operation of Kabul Airport.
In his speech, Defence Minister Niko Peleshi stressed the importance of this meeting and the full support of our country for the agenda of the NATO Initiative 2030 on strengthening the Alliance in the future and the decisions that are expected to be taken during the Summit of June 14, in the meeting of NATO heads of state and governments.

Further, Minister Peleshi assessed the need for a new strategic concept in this rapidly changing environment which presents various challenges for the Transatlantic Alliance.
Regarding the commitment to invest in Defense, the Minister of Defense expressed his position and readiness to implement the commitments made at the Wales Summit by 2024.