Adriatic Charter (USA-A5) Chiefs of Staff gather in Tirana, Minister Vengu: Albania a trusted partner for regional security

Published: Wednesday, 17 September 2025 14:48

 

Tirana hosted the 28th Conference of Chiefs of Staff of the Adriatic Charter (USA-A5), held for the second consecutive year in Albania. Defense Minister Pirro Vengu welcomed the participants, emphasizing Albania’s determination to remain a trusted partner and consensus-builder in the region, while strengthening its role in Euro-Atlantic security.

Minister Vengu highlighted the importance of the Adriatic Charter as a mechanism for cooperation and resilience:
"The Adriatic Charter was born from a vision of collaboration, stability, and shared Euro-Atlantic destiny. Its principles remain unchanged, but in a rapidly changing strategic environment, we must adapt and renew its mission. For Albania, the Charter is not just another regional initiative, it drives practical cooperation and collective resilience. U.S. participation makes it especially significant."

Referring to the Hague Summit decisions, he added:
"These decisions give us a unique opportunity to assume more responsibility for regional security and within NATO and the EU."

He outlined five priority areas for action: increasing defense budgets, expanding the defense industry, acquiring dual-use capabilities to modernize the Armed Forces, investing in critical infrastructure and host nation capacities, and strengthening interoperability with allies through training, exercises, and operations.

Minister Vengu also emphasized adapting the initiative to new regional security challenges:
"We must move beyond blame games and outdated rivalries. Building trust, acceptance, and practical cooperation is the only way forward. It is time for USA-A5 to evolve: Kosovo should be fully and formally included as a natural member of this community. Let us have the courage to elevate this initiative to the height of its founding vision: a family of nations united by destiny."

He reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to NATO and EU missions:
"Around 500 Albanian troops are deployed in KFOR and ALTHEA, while our contributions in Latvia and Bulgaria demonstrate our commitment to addressing eastern flank threats. Regarding Ukraine, we will continue our political support and military contributions through Interflex, NSATU, and JATEC."

The conference was co-chaired by Albania’s Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Arben Kingji, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gojko Knežević, and Commander of the U.S. European Command, Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich.

At the conclusion, the Chiefs of Staff signed a Joint Declaration highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, strengthening shared capabilities, and enhancing Euro-Atlantic security, including the full integration of Kosovo into the initiative.

Participants included signatory countries (USA, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia), observer countries (Kosovo, Slovenia), U.S. National Guard representatives, partner states of the State Partnership Program, and the Deputy Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples.