Defence Minister Nufi at North Atlantic Future Forum in Oslo: Albania committed to stronger NATO cooperation

Published: Thursday, 12 November 2026 15:54

Minister Nufi: “Kosovo’s integration into NATO Is, in our view, essential to strengthening regional stability”

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the 2026 North Atlantic Future Forum in Oslo, Norway.

Organised jointly by the governments of the United Kingdom and Norway, the Forum brings together senior political and military officials, alongside defence industry representatives from NATO Allied countries.

Speaking aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, Minister Nufi underscored the importance of the Forum in fostering closer cooperation among Allies, particularly in addressing shared strategic priorities and strengthening dialogue between partners on both sides of the Atlantic.

During the Forum, Minister Nufi held meetings with his Norwegian counterpart, Tore O. Sandvik, and Lord Wood of Anfield, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Discussions centred on current Euro-Atlantic security challenges and the need for NATO to maintain a comprehensive approach to security across all its strategic areas of responsibility.

Throughout the meetings, Minister Nufi stressed that Europe's security challenges extend well beyond the High North.

“The Western Balkans, and Kosovo in particular, must remain firmly on the Alliance’s agenda." - he stated.

Minister Nufi further emphasised:

“In our view, Kosovo’s integration into NATO is a strategic necessity for strengthening regional stability, preventing conflict and reducing the risk of new sources of instability emerging in Europe. Euro-Atlantic security is indivisible. A stronger NATO presence in the Balkans means a safer Europe.”

Albania’s participation in the Forum reaffirms its commitment to playing an active role within NATO, contributing to the Alliance’s strategic discussions and expanding cooperation with Allies and partners in support of collective defence and security.