Defence Minister Niko Peleshi at the Meeting of NATO Countries' Defence Ministers: We are determined to fulfill our obligations to the Alliance

Published: Friday, 16 February 2024 15:29

 

Defense Minister Niko Peleshi was an active participant in the two-day meeting of NATO Defense Ministers held in Brussels. The agenda on the first day included the Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine, which focused on bolstering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

On the second day, discussions revolved around Euro-Atlantic security, deterrence, defense, and preparations for the upcoming Washington Summit, coinciding with the Alliance's 75th Anniversary.

In his address, Minister Peleshi reiterated Albania's unwavering commitment to meeting its obligations to NATO, including increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP, with at least 20% allocated for modernizing the Armed Forces.

Highlighting Albania's continued military contributions to NATO missions and operations, Minister Peleshi drew attention to the fragile security landscape in the Western Balkans, emphasizing the need for the Euro-Atlantic community to decisively include the entire region under its security umbrella.

During discussions, Minister Peleshi also emphasized infrastructural investments in Albania, particularly along the VIII Corridor and the Porto-Romano Project. He stressed their alignment with NATO's enablement concept, crucial in the current turbulent environment, noting their dual benefits for national development and support for NATO's rapid deployment capabilities.

Throughout the ministerial, Minister Peleshi engaged in several meetings with counterparts from regional and European countries, fostering cooperation and dialogue.