Peleshi visits the NATO Supreme Command in Europe: Albania is a reliable ally to the Alliance, ready to make our infrastructure available

Published: Wednesday, 14 December 2022 14:29

Defense Minister Niko Peleshi paid an official visit to the Alliance Supreme Command in Europe. He was received in a meeting by the Supreme Commander of the Alliance for Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli, at the same time the Commander of the American Command for Europe.

In the meeting they discussed the actual security environment, the challenges on the eastern border of the Alliance, cooperation in the field of defense, our country's commitments within NATO, the strategic partnership with the USA, the development of AAF capacities and modernization.

Among other things, Minister Peleshi appreciated the prominent role of the Supreme Command of the Alliance in the materialization of NATO's political objectives and, above all, the effective work to face the actual challenges at the borders of the Alliance, without deviating attention from the Balkan region. He emphasized the importance of the NATO troops presence in the east, Latvia and Bulgaria, and at the same time in KFOR, Kosovo. According to Minister Peleshi, NATO and the USA should persistently promote and invest in the reform of the Defense and Security sector in the Western Balkans.

In this context, special importance was addressed to Albania's role, as a reliable ally and active contributor in guaranteeing peace and security in the region and beyond, but at the same time to the strategic position that our country has for continuing logistical support on the eastern border of the Alliance. Appreciated in the meeting was the significance of Albanian government devotion to the development of ports' infrastructure and capacities and “Corridor VIII” construction, as essential projects for the immediate access of NATO forces within the Balkans to the Black Sea. The Minister of Defense emphasised our country's readiness to build this infrastructure according to NATO standards and make it available to the Alliance.

The Supreme Commander of the Alliance for Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli, at the same time commander of the American Command for Europe, expressed his gratitude for Albania's role as a dignified and very dynamic ally in NATO, our country's contribution and its persistent will to the Alliance. General Cavoli appreciated the role and professionalism of the Albanian military members serving in NATO commands and missions. During the activity, the Minister of Defense also met with the Albanian military personnel in SHAPE. Peleshi thanked them for their good work and dignified representation in NATO's main command.