Minister Peleshi at NATO Ministerial: We will increase investments for Defense within 2030 with "Made in Albania" products in the international market

Published: Friday, 14 June 2024 12:52

 

Defence Minister Niko Peleshi attended the NATO Defense Ministers’ meeting held in Brussels, where key issues of Security and Defense in the Euro-Atlantic area were discussed in preparation for the upcoming Washington Summit in July.

In his address, Minister Peleshi highlighted Albania's continued strong financial commitment to the Alliance, formalizing a contribution of 2.03% of GDP. A significant portion of this investment will be directed towards modernizing the Armed Forces with new weapons and equipment.

Minister Peleshi also shared Albania's ambition to develop its Defense Industry, aiming to enter the international market with "Made in Albania" products by 2030.

The Defense Minister also addressed the fragile security situation in the Western Balkans, describing it as unstable. He expressed concern over the All-Serbian Assembly held in Belgrade recently, citing its territorial claims and rhetoric against Western allies as particularly troubling.

Reaffirming Albania's support for Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration, Minister Peleshi called for a balanced and realistic approach to security dynamics and defense developments in Kosovo.

During the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underscored the importance of adopting the Defense and Deterrence Agenda at the Washington Summit. He also urged Defense Ministers to endorse the Assistance and Training Package for Ukraine.