Minister Nufi received by New Jersey National Guard Commander Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays

Published: Wednesday, 10 June 2026 10:59

Nufi: “Twenty-five years of partnership have made a significant contribution to the modernization of our Armed Forces”

As part of his official visit to the United States, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, held a meeting with U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, who also serves as Adjutant General of the State of New Jersey and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs.

During the meeting, the two sides reflected on a quarter-century of partnership between Albania and the New Jersey National Guard, a cooperation that has made a significant contribution to the modernization and development of the Albanian Armed Forces.

Discussions focused on several priority areas of cooperation, including strengthening the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps and military education; enhancing cyber defence capabilities; supporting the full operational capability of Kuçova Air Base; as well as deepening cooperation within NATO and advancing Euro-Atlantic security.

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi particularly praised the contribution of the New Jersey National Guard to the professional development of Albania’s Non-Commissioned Officer Corps through training, mentorship, and exchange programmes, emphasizing that this cooperation has had a direct impact on improving the standards and effectiveness of the Albanian Armed Forces.

The parties also exchanged views on current security challenges and the importance of increasing defence investments in line with NATO commitments.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared determination to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and open a new chapter in the partnership between Albania and the New Jersey National Guard, in support of peace, stability, and regional and Euro-Atlantic security.

On this occasion, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi awarded Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays the “Gold Medal for Military Service” in recognition of her outstanding contribution to strengthening military cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania and the New Jersey National Guard, as well as for her continued support in developing capabilities and consolidating the strategic partnership between the two forces.