The Minister of Defence, Mrs. Mimi Kodheli is on an official visit to France. Mrs. Kodheli met today her counterpart, the French Minister of Defence, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian. Both officials discussed about issues of bilateral cooperation, about the international situation and the latest developments, as well as joint commitments in the framework of NATO and EU.
Discussing about bilateral cooperation, especially in Defence, both senior officials shared the view to further deepening of this cooperation. France makes a major contribution to the Armed Forces modernization and education of Albanian officers in the best French military schools. An example of the successful cooperation is the mission in Chad, where Albania was alongside French troops.
Mrs. Kodheli focused on the obligations of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania in relation to EU integration, and added that the Ministry of Defence is in the assessing process of opportunities to contribute to the EU mission, specifically in Mali.
Minister Kodheli underlined that relations between our two countries will only recognize qualitative growth. According to her, both countries need to renew the bilateral cooperation agreement, which dates from 1996.
The French Defence Minister, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian said that France’s support is clear and cooperation is very positive. He praised the Albania’s role as a member of NATO for the regional stability and beyond.
“Between our two countries, there is a strong and effective relation”, stressed the French Minister. He stated: “France follows with great attention the participation of Albanian troops in Afghanistan and welcomes your participation in EU operations.”
Mrs. Kodheli briefed her counterpart on the Albanian Government work, and that it remains fully committed to further reforms affecting the Ministry of Defence in the fight against corruption and in all commitments we have to undertake, in the framework of Albania’s approach to Europe.
“I thank you for the support that President Hollande and you are giving to Albania’s EU integration”, stated the Minister of Defence.
The Bilateral Cooperation Plan between the two countries on Defence for 2014, includes 17 activities proposed by both parties, of which, 8 activities will be held in France and 9 activities in Albania.
