Newsroom Minister Peleshi in Brussels, Porto Romano new project will offer dedicated military infrastructure for the Armed Forces and NATO
Defence Minister Niko Peleshi participated in the meeting of the defence ministers of the North Atlantic Alliance countries that was held at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. The discussion focused on further strengthening the Alliance and the continuation of support for NATO partner countries, at a time when Russian aggression in Ukraine has passed 100 days since its launch. The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Defense of Ukraine, Georgia, Sweden, Finland, as well as the High Representative of the European Union.
During his speech, Defence Minister Niko Peleshi stated that our country will support and contribute to the expansion and strengthening of military capabilities of the Alliance's borders, in the interest of protecting and preserving its population. Minister Peleshi spoke about Porto Romano project that will also provide infrastructure dedicated to the Armed Forces and the NATO Alliance. "We value our critical infrastructure, not only from a national perspective, but also from that of the Alliance. In this context, given the geographical location, the Port of Durrës served as a hosting center for the exercise "Defender Europe 2021" which proves to be a strategic point connecting the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea, otherwise known as Corridor 8.”, - said in his speech the Defence Minister Peleshi. He drew attention to the effects that Russia's war on Ukraine could have on the Balkan region. Defence Minister stressed the importance of accelerating the Euro-Atlantic integration process of the countries in the region in this situation. Minister Peleshi also said that it is important to send a strong message that the security of the Balkan region remains a vital interest for the Alliance and that Russia with its "levers" should not be allowed to destabilize the entire region.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Alliance’s ministers earlier at a working dinner, and praised NATO's allied and partner countries for their generous support in military capabilities, financial assistance and humanitarian help. He also stressed that the Alliance is and remains determined to continue its support for Ukraine, and remains optimistic that the Heads of State and Government of the Alliance would agree a Comprehensive Assistance Package during the Madrid Summit, which is scheduled to take place on June 29-30.
