Minister Vengu receives the KSF Commander: Albania stands by Kosovo to guarantee stability in the region

Published: Thursday, 22 May 2025 14:40

 Defence Minister Pirro Vengu, met with the Commander of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari. The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji. In the meeting was discussed the strategic and fraternal cooperation between our two countries in the field of Defence, which is considered a factor of stability for the region and a clear orientation towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

Minister Vengu praised the high level of cooperation with Kosovo and confirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defense to support Kosovo's membership in regional and international initiatives, including the Adriatic Charter (US-A5).

Among other things, during the meeting, the fragile security situation in the region was discussed, condemning the terrorist and criminal attacks in the nord of Kosovo, as well as the tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Minister Vengu stressed that Albania will always remain by Kosovo's side to guarantee sustainable security and stability in the region.

Minister Vengu stressed Albania's position that the KFOR mission is a guarantee for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kosovo.

Minister Vengu and Lieutenant General Jashari highlighted the common priorities for strengthening the KSF as a modern and territorial force through five main pillars: human capital, modernization and capacity development, military industry and innovation, national resilience (including cyber and civil defense) and critical infrastructure.

The cooperation between the two countries in the field of Defense has materialized with the active participation in the international exercise Defender Europe 2025, in which Albania and Kosovo play a key role.

Another area of ​​strategic importance is that of military education. The Albanian Armed Forces Academy continues to offer scholarships and courses to students and officers from Kosovo, while special quotas at public universities for specializations important for defense are also being considered.

The possibility of attracting human resources from the diaspora and individuals with dual citizenship, as well as encouraging the return of highly qualified professionals to Albania and Kosovo through concrete incentives, was also discussed.
The bilateral cooperation plan for 2025 includes 64 concrete activities: meetings, training, information exchange and exercises, which are already being implemented.