Military Strategy and Long-Term Development Plan, Minister Peleshi discusses with generals in active duty and reservists

Published: Wednesday, 17 April 2024 14:43

 

Upon finalizing the National Security Strategy Document, the Ministry of Defence has forwarded the Military Strategy and Long-Term Development Plan for consultation. Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, alongside Major General Arben Kingji, Chief of the General Staff of the AF, and a cohort of active-duty and reserve generals, as well as Ministry of Defence directors and force commanders, convened for an extensive roundtable discussion. Minister Peleshi underscored the significance of this dialogue in exchanging perspectives with stakeholders.

Minister Peleshi highlighted the imperative of reviewing the Defense and Security Strategy in light of global and regional developments. He cited ongoing conflicts such as Ukraine and recent events like Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel as pivotal moments shaping the global landscape. "Albania finds itself in the Western Balkans, where historical conflicts or entrenched issues among neighbors or regional states may resurface amid global instability." - noted Minister Peleshi. He reaffirmed Albania's support for Ukraine and announced the forthcoming dispatch of an aid package. Addressing the Middle East situation, he expressed solidarity with Israel and condemned Iran's aggression, referencing Albania's own experience with cyberattacks.

Discussing efforts to modernize defensive capabilities, Minister Peleshi mentioned the opening of NATO's Tactical Air Base in Kuçovë and expressed aspirations for Porto Romano to follow suit. He assured attentive consideration of all proposals voiced during the roundtable, signaling the expected approval of the Military Strategy and Long-Term Development Plan by the Assembly post-consultation.

The Long-Term Development Plan of the Armed Forces translates the objectives of various strategic documents into actionable military capabilities, aligning plans with timeframes and available resources. It delineates the Armed Forces developmental trajectories and outlines the means to achieve military objectives derived from the National Security Strategy and NATO's Defense Planning System.

Meanwhile, the Military Strategy serves as the foundational document outlining principles and concepts guiding the development, utilization, and direction of the Armed Forces of Albania as a NATO member state. It emphasizes Albania's participation in NATO's collective defense framework, with attendant benefits and obligations.