Preparation begins for "Defender 2023", Peleshi: Albania, ready to serve again as a host country for the biggest exercise

Published: Monday, 25 October 2021 10:21

 

Albania has started working to host again one of the biggest exercises "Defender 2023". A coordination conference was organized, attended by Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, the ChoD Major General Bajram Begaj, the US Ambassador Yuri Kim, and senior military representatives of the US and Albania.

In his speech, Minister Peleshi described "Defender 2021", which took place several months ago, as a history of success.

“This exercise goes beyond the entire military dimension and confirms the involvement and readiness of the entire government to assist and facilitate all specific and general requirements for its rapid execution. Such high-visibility exercises demonstrate the strategic importance of the US Extended Prevention Policy to NATO and its European allies and partners and reaffirm the strong commitment that the Alliance, and in particular the United States, makes to our region. "Defender Europe" for us, remains a powerful tool of strategic communication of peace, security, stability, and guarantee for our citizens, countries in the region and throughout Europe.”, - said the Defence Minister.

While ensuring the maximum support and assistance of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces for the next Defender exercise, Minister Peleshi said that Albania confirmed its forwardness to be again a host country for the Defender series.

While in his speech, the ChoD Major General Bajram Begaj expressed confidence that "'Defender Europe 23' through activities and demonstration of its capabilities will give opponents a clear and strong message of prevention and protection”.