Guardia di Finanza has donated two vessels to the Border Police. Minister Vengu: Strengthening the fight against trafficking

Published: Tuesday, 11 February 2025 12:11

Two "Vedeta 2000" class ships, donated by the Guardia di Finanza and the Interforza mission, have been added to the services of the Maritime Border Police. The handover ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Pirro Vengu, who described the event as a key moment in strengthening Albania’s maritime monitoring capabilities.

In his speech, Minister Vengu emphasized the significance of the excellent cooperation and ongoing support from Italian partners: "The donation of these two 'Vedeta 2000' class ships by the Guardia di Finanza and the Interforza Mission is a clear demonstration of the exceptional collaboration and continuous support we receive from our Italian partners, aimed at enhancing the capacities of our police forces and Armed Forces. Since last July, under the leadership of Prime Ministers Rama and Meloni, a joint team consisting of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Interior, together with our partners across the Adriatic, Ministers Salvini and Crosetto, have successfully reached an agreement on a protocol to increase the capabilities of the Albanian State Police and Armed Forces.” - the Minister noted.

Minister Vengu emphasized the crucial role these ships will play in protecting the maritime border and ensuring the safety of both Albanian and Italian citizens, as well as tourists visiting the Albanian coastline.

“This is a continuation of the joint commitment from both governments to strengthen border security and combat trafficking. These ships will play a vital role in securing the maritime border and ensuring the safety of both Albanian and Italian citizens, as well as tourists visiting our coast.” said Minister Vengu.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Guardia di Finanza for its relentless support and efforts to enhance regional security, as well as to the Interforza mission for its intensive cooperation with the Albanian State Police, which made this project a reality in such a short time.

The ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of Italy to Albania, Marco Alberti, the Commander-in-Chief of the Guardia di Finanza, General Andrea De Gennaro, the Director of Immigration at the Border Police, Prefect Claudio Galzerano, Deputy Minister of the Interior Julian Hodaj, and the General Director of the State Police, Ilir Proda.
The two "Vedeta 2000" class ships are light, fast, and specifically designed for pursuing and intercepting vessels at sea. They will significantly contribute to the efficient monitoring and control of Albania’s maritime space. These ships are crucial for preventing and combating trafficking and smuggling via the sea, while also enhancing the safety of local citizens and foreign tourists who visit the Albanian coastline.