Minister Kodheli at the conference “5 years in NATO”

: Published: Tuesday, 15 April 2014 15:06

Minister Kodheli:We will restore the lacking dignity of the Armed Forces, and we will not allow statements for political use and benefit to harm the new image we are creating.

Defence Minister Mrs. Mimi Kodheli participated at the international conference “5 years of NATO membership: the national-regional impact and future challenges”. The conference is organized by the Albanian Institute for International Studies. At the conference also attended the U.S. Ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Alexander Arvizu, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Jeronim Bazo, the Head of the Democratic Party, Mr. Lulëzim Basha, diplomats, researchers, representatives of the academic world, as well as many other guests.

Defence Minister Mrs. Mimi Kodheli, in her address expressed her appreciation for the Albanian Institute of International Studies for organizing such a conference, which follows a series of events organized on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Albania’s NATO membership. “There is no doubt that NATO membership marked an historic achievement for Albania on its long path to put behind the 20th century misfortunes, as well as the lengthy and imposed isolation.

Our vision for the military will always be based only on professional criteria and moral integrity. We will restore the lacking dignity of the Armed Forces, and we will not allow statements for political use and benefit to harm the new image we are creating.
Albania demonstrated that it was a reliable partner of the Alliance by undertaking a wide spectrum of reforms, which went beyond the Armed Forces that have undoubtedly turned into the safe bridge connecting Albania with NATO.”
On this occasion, Minister Kodheli expressed her deep gratitude, and of the Government, to all friendly and ally countries that have supported Albania integration into NATO since the very beginning.

While the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Alexander Arvizu in his remarks said: “Looking at the reform, the United States assesses that Minister Kodheli’s efforts to pursue reform and to fight corruption have been deep and productive, and the United States encourages the continuation of these efforts. At the same time, we recognize that the most lasting contribution to Defence reform is to strengthen the foundation for a more modern, mobile and well-trained NATO compatible force, which requires high quality training methods, smart procurements and recruitment”, stated Ambassador Arvizu.