Minister Kodheli meets her German counterpart, Ursula von der Leyen

: Published: Wednesday, 11 May 2016 18:48

In the second day of her official visit in Germany, Defence Minister, Mrs. Mimi Kodheli, was welcomed by her counterpart Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen with whom held a meeting.

Since the beginning of their meeting minister Kodheli thanked Mrs. von der Leyen for the assistance that Germany has given over the years for the education and training of Albanian military personnel.

On behalf of the government and the Albanian people, Minister Kodheli thanked the German government for the support given to our country in the process of integration in NATO and especially the status of candidate for EU membership. Minister Kodheli praised what she called "extraordinary efforts" of the German government to provide secure support for thousands of refugees coming from the Middle East. "Albania is not yet affected by this crisis, but stands ready to contribute in accordance with our capabilities, as part of a coordinated European solution" - she said.

Both interlocutors welcomed the decision of NATO Defence Ministers to launch an operation in the Aegean Sea, for helping the refugee issue. In relation to this Minister Kodheli expressed our country's readiness on this operation to provide the assets of our Naval Force.
Regarding the most recent security challenges, Minister Kodheli said that Albania is part of all initiatives taken against terrorism and violent extremism, bringing in attention the necessary legal measurements. "Albania as a NATO member is ready to give all the necessary support to the coalition against the so-called Islamic State, by considering it a serious threat not only for Europe but for the whole world" .- she said.

Minister Kodheli considered the foreign fighters as a threat and challenge for our society.
Praising the open door policy of NATO, interlocutors welcomed the invitation of Montenegro’s membership in the Alliance, and expressed the support for Euro - Atlantic integration of Macedonia.

KFOR mission in Kosovo was described by Mrs. Kodheli as a "story of success" of NATO and thanked the Minister von der Leyen for the contribution and persistent presence of the German Armed Forces in this mission. Minister Kodheli also expressed the readiness of our country for being present in Kosovo for as long as required.

During her official visit to Germany, Minister Kodheli held meetings with military adviser to the German Federal Government, Brigadier General Andreas Delp, Chairman of the Parliamentary Defence Committee in the German Parliament, Mr. Wolfgang Hellmich and military commissioner of Parliament Mr. Hans-Peter Bartels.

In these meetings minister Kodheli expressed her gratitude for the support that Germany has given and gives for our country's integration into the EU, and assured the commitment of the Albanian government for the implementation of reforms.