16th Senior Course on Security and Defence concludes, Abrazhda: Albania a meeting point for security and defence cooperation

Published: Friday, 22 May 2026 14:35

Senior military officers from the Albanian Armed Forces, representatives from NATO member states, and civilian security professionals successfully completed the 16th Senior Course on Security and Defence, held at the Defence and Security College.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Deputy Defence Ministers Blerina Abrazhda, Pranvera Skana, and Enkelejdi Joti, as well as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Razije Mehmeti, force commanders, ambassadors, NATO military attachés, and family members of the participants.

In her remarks, Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda emphasized the lasting value of the professional and personal connections built throughout the programme, describing them as an important foundation for trust and cooperation among future security leaders.

“Over the past months, Albania became a meeting point where officers and professionals from across Europe and the Middle East came together to work, exchange experiences, and learn from one another. This diversity was not a challenge, it was a strength. In the end, stability depends on disciplined professionals who understand that leadership is not about visibility, but responsibility.” - she stated.
The course, developed in its current format with the support of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, brings together military and civilian participants from Albania, the region, NATO Allies, and partner countries.
Since 2012, the programme has held the status of a “NATO Listed Course”, establishing itself as one of the region’s key platforms for the development of strategic leadership in security and defence.

The approximately three-month programme provides advanced training on the global security environment, international organisations, NATO, leadership, and strategic communication. Lectures are delivered by Albanian and international experts, diplomats, and senior representatives of security institutions.
For the first time, the 16th edition of the course also included colonels from the Armed Forces of Jordan and Poland, further expanding the programme’s international participation.