Minister Nufi on official visit to Ankara, meets Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler

Published: Thursday, 08 October 2026 14:04

Minister Nufi: “We are further strengthening our strategic partnership with Türkiye in defence and security”

Strengthening the Albania–Türkiye strategic partnership in defence and security and advancing cooperation through concrete projects in areas of mutual interest were at the heart of Defence Minister Ermal Nufi’s official visit to Türkiye today.

During his visit, the Albanian Defence Minister held a bilateral meeting with Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler.

“Albania and Türkiye enjoy a strong and well-established partnership, built on deep historical and people-to-people ties, our shared NATO membership and longstanding cooperation in defence and security." Minister Nufi said.

He expressed Albania’s appreciation for Türkiye’s continued contribution to the modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces and stressed the importance of further expanding practical cooperation between the two countries.

“For more than two decades, Albanian cadets, officers and non-commissioned officers have attended military academies and training programmes in Türkiye. This has made education and training one of the most enduring pillars of our bilateral defence relationship. Our cooperation will remain focused on modernising the Albanian Armed Forces, developing capabilities and strengthening interoperability in line with NATO standards and objectives." Minister Nufi stated.

The two ministers also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation with Turkish companies through investment in Albania and the creation of joint ventures.

“Albania sees significant potential for technology transfer and the development of domestic capabilities, opening new opportunities for the Albanian defence industry ” Minister Nufi said.

Minister Nufi also praised Türkiye’s contribution to KFOR and its support for the Albanian contingent serving in EUFOR ALTHEA. He noted that Albania and Türkiye remain firmly committed to advancing Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

The two defence ministers agreed that the countries should intensify their efforts to develop their well-established defence relationship into a more structured programme of practical cooperation, supported by concrete projects and measurable outcomes.

Minister Nufi’s official visit to Ankara marks a further step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and Türkiye, with an increasing focus on tangible projects, enhanced capabilities and concrete results that serve the interests of both countries and contribute to shared security.