Minister Vengu meets with master's students at AFA: We need to pay more attention to national security

Published: Monday, 16 December 2024 13:30

Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, and the Commander of the Academy, Brigadier General Bardhyl Nuredinaj, visited the Faculty of Defense and Security, which hosts the second-cycle study programs.

Minister Vengu had the opportunity to closely examine the modern and advanced infrastructure designed for both theoretical and practical learning, and he engaged in discussions with the professors and students from the three master’s programs offered by the Academy of the Armed Forces. He congratulated the students for choosing the Academy and expressed his full support for both them and the academic staff.
Afterward, Minister Vengu participated in a discussion with students from the Master's program in "Security and International Politics in Defense" where the conversation focused on national interest and security matters.

In his remarks, Minister Vengu emphasized the importance of increased attention from Albanian society to global security threats, even from far-off regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East, as their consequences can impact Albania as well. He cited examples of foreign threats to critical infrastructure, mentioning the recent terrorist attack on the Iber-Lepenc canal in Kosovo on November 29, which required Albania’s energy sector to support Kosovo for 48 hours, thanks to the interconnection between the two countries.
The Minister also addressed the issue of Albania's Military Industry, referring to its destruction as a significant mistake. He stated that the military industry should not only serve the Armed Forces but also be a key element supporting the country's overall economy. He assured that with recent legal changes, necessary steps have been taken to revitalize the sector.

At the end of the visit, the attendees expressed their wish for Minister Vengu to deliver a lecture on Security and Defense issues in the future.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Academy of the Armed Forces will offer three advanced second-cycle programs in key fields, such as defense, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. These programs aim to develop qualified professionals ready to tackle the challenges of global security. They offer exceptional opportunities for students who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in these vital areas.
The students enrolled in the second-cycle programs for the 2024-2025 academic year include active military personnel from the Armed Forces, officers from the State Police, the Republican Guard, other security institutions, and civilians.

In addition, the Academy of the Armed Forces is preparing to launch third-cycle doctoral programs in the near future.