“Military Advisor Team-5” departs in mission to Afghanistan

: Published: Wednesday, 05 March 2014 15:08

It was held today at the Ministry of Defence, the ceremony of departure in mission to Afghanistan of the “Military Advisor Team-5” (MAT-5). At the ceremony attended the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Jeronim Bazo, generals and other senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and General Staff of the Armed Forces, defence attachés accredited to our country, as well as family members and relatives of military personnel participating in this mission.

Chief of General Staff, Major General Jeronim Bazo in his address greeted the military personnel of the contingent for the noble task they will carry out, noting that the Albanian Armed Forces contribute to this mission along with the New Jersey National Guard, USA.
Our participation, for the fifth time, in such a training mission, is an indicator of the continuous growth of our contribution level in Afghanistan. On this occasion, Major General Bazo thanked the United States for the continuous support they have provided, making possible the accomplishment of this very important mission for assistance in rebuilding Afghanistan’s Armed Forces.

Concluding his speech, Major General Bazo, addressing the military personnel of this contingent, expressed his belief that, “you will carry out with dedication and high professionalism this noble mission.” He conveyed special thanks to peacekeepers’ families, for the support they give to their sons to carry out the mission with honour, in the name of peace and security in Afghanistan.

MAT-5 contingent consists of 12 militaries, including militaries of New Jersey National Guard. The purpose of this mission is assistance in training the First Motorised Brigade of the Afghan Armed Forces. Until now, the MAT missions have contributed to training at low levels, up to the battalion level. MAT-5 contingent will stay in Afghanistan for a period of 9 months. At the end of the ceremony, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Jeronim Bazo, handed over the National Flag to the Commander of MAT-5 contingent, Colonel Ardian Bali.