Minister Kodheli at the SEDM meeting

: Published: Thursday, 16 October 2014 16:05

At the Comprehensive Regional Ministerial (CRM) being held in Budva, Montenegro, Defence Minister Mrs. Mimi Kodheli took part in the meeting of the defence ministers of South-Eastern Europe, SEDM (South-Eastern Defence Ministerial).

The main topic of discussion was the strengthening of cooperation between member countries of this initiative in function of stability and security of the region, in front of the significant geopolitical developments.

Minister Kodheli, as chair of the U.S. - A5 Ministerial, praised its successful and important conclusions.

The United States supported Albania’s proposal for the participation of A5 countries with a mission attached to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, to meet NATO obligations.

During the Ministerial, Minister Kodheli held several bilateral meeting.

Initially, Minister Kodheli met the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Eurasia, Ms. Evelyn N. Farkas. The senior U.S. official guaranteed once again Mrs. Kodheli for the undisputed support of the Unites States of America during the important integration process Albania has ahead. Ms. Farkas assessed positively Albania’s role as a factor of stability in the region. Minister Kodheli and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence, Ms. Farkas also discussed about the recent developments in Defence and risk arising from different global threats. On this occasion, Ms. Farkas thanked Minister Kodheli and the Albanian Government for aligning alongside the allies in the fight against ISIS.

Defence Minister Kodheli had a meeting with the Minister of Defence of Montenegro, Mrs. Milica Pejanović - Đurišić. Both counterparts praised the good relations between our two countries, especially in Defence, and underlined the importance of regional cooperation through joint projects.

Minister Kodheli had also a meeting with the Minister of the Kosovo Security Force, Mr. Agim Çeku. During the meeting, both ministers exchanged views on current developments in Defence, as well as other issues that serve to strengthen cooperation between our two countries.

Minister Kodheli had a special meeting with the Turkish Minister of Defence, Mr. İsmet Yilmaz. Relationship between our two countries and armies were praised maximally, and both parties signed the implementation protocol for financial assistance.