Defence Minister in an official visit to Greece, Peleshi: Mutual security challenges, we are intensifying our cooperation

Published: Wednesday, 08 June 2022 13:05

Defense Minister Niko Peleshi is paying a two-day visit to Greece with the invitation of his counterpart Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos. The conversation between the two ministers was centered on the current security challenges, with a particular focus on the situation in Ukraine, the potential consequences on regional security, the Euro -Atlantic integration process, and the mutual commitments within NATO and regional.

The meeting between the two delegations took place in a very friendly atmosphere, where their thoughts and ideas to further develop and intensify the cooperation in the field of Defense, focusing on military education and training fields, health, and joint exercises as well as other commitments in the Balkan region.
Peleshi expressed his gratitude for the persistent support that Greece has given to Albania, not only during the NATO membership process but also in the efforts our country is making to open negotiations with the European Union.

The two ministers praised the pertinent contributions to the commitments within the Alliance and expressed their willingness to support the upcoming decisions and commitments to be confirmed at the NATO summit in Madrid, Spain. Defense Minister Niko Peleshi reconfirmed the continuation of our country's NATO commitments, pointing out the increase of Albania's contributions to the NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR, EFP (Enhanced Forward Presence), Latvia, and the commitment to contribute to EFP Bulgaria with a platoon.

Both sides condemned Russia's unanimous aggression in Ukraine, expressing their attitude toward the impacts of this situation in the Balkans, Europe, and beyond. Minister Peleshi said: “Our security challenges remain mutual, inseparable and comprehensive. They come from any direction and could violate the security and stability in our region and beyond. We must not lose sight of the Western Balkans region and the southern part of the Alliance. "

The Ministry of Defense of Albania praised the Greek Armed Forces' contribution since the beginning of the KFOR mission to Kosovo, as a major contribution to the stability of the Western Balkans. According to Minister Peleshi, supporting Kosovo's participation in regional initiatives (SEDM, etc.) it will be a very important step in increasing trust, peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.