Security challenges will be discussed at the U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A-5) Defense Ministerial, held in Tirana from December 3 to 5

Published: Monday, 02 December 2024 15:12

 

From December 3 to 5, the Defense Ministerial will be held in Tirana as part of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter Initiative (A-5). This important event is also part of Albania's commitments to this initiative.

High-level representatives from the U.S., Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia are expected to attend. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Ms. Celeste Wallander, will also be present at the meeting.

Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, together with the U.S. Assistant Secretary, will deliver the welcome speech on the first day of the ministerial sessions.

The senior representatives from the countries participating in the U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A-5) Initiative will discuss the integration processes of the Balkan countries through the mechanisms of this initiative, as well as the future of the initiative itself. The panels will also cover topics such as the war in Ukraine and its consequences for Southeastern Europe, security challenges in the Western Balkans, the expansion of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter with new member states, joint contributions to NATO and other international missions, and more.

At the end of the ministerial, the participating countries will sign a joint declaration.

The U.S.-Adriatic Charter Initiative is a diplomatic effort involving countries from the Western Balkans region, aimed at strengthening cooperation and integration of these countries, with the support of the United States, into Euro-Atlantic structures. It also helps promote stability and economic development in the region.