Defence Minister Kodheli met Jonathan Moore

: Published: Tuesday, 01 April 2014 17:16

The Minister of Defence, Mrs. Mimi Kodheli met today Mr. Jonathan Moore, Director of Central and South Europe Affairs Office at the U.S. State Department. Mr. Moore was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Alexander Arvizu. Defence Minister Kodheli thanked Mr. Jonathan Moore for the visit and expressed to him deep gratitude for the contribution United States has provided to assist Albanians and Albania, especially in the integration process of the country into the Euro-Atlantic structures. Mrs. Kodheli informed Mr. Moore about the reform in the Armed Forces, highlighting her will and of the majority to give back to the Albanian Army its deserved dignity.

Mr. Moore congratulated the Albanian people for the anniversary of NATO membership highlighting that, Albania’s commitment to the Alliance is a factor of stability in the region and beyond. He praised Albania’s participation in peacekeeping missions under the NATO flag. Mr. Moore reiterated once again USA’s support in the Albania’s EU integration process.

Reforms of the Albanian Government and especially of the Ministry of Defence were the core of the talks. Mr. Moore praised the work done until now, and encouraged Minister Kodheli to further continue with these reforms. Minister Kodheli focused especially on the fight against corruption emphasizing that, the chosen path will always be the same and we will respect the strengthening of the rule of law.