Minister Kodheli receives members from the Royal College of Defence Studies in United Kingdom

: Published: Saturday, 27 May 2017 11:38

The Defence Minister Mrs. Mimi Kodheli received the teaching staff members and students of the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom, who are paying a visit lasting a few days in our country.

Minister Kodheli welcomed the attendees to our country.

Their visit to our country is part of the curriculum of this college, and in this regard, Minister Kodheli shared with them her views on international security issues and the role of Albania in terms of these challenges.

Minister Kodheli opened her speech with the decisions taken by the NATO Summit held this week in Brussels, emphasizing the Alliance's participation in the international coalition against ISIS, and the fairer division of responsibilities among member states.

Subsequently, Minister Kodheli continued with the threats posed to the southern and eastern borders of NATO, risks that range from the so-called "Arab Spring" to the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation.

The Minister also spoke about the Russian influence on the Western Balkans, which according to her would be prevented through the full integration of the countries of this region into the Euro-Atlantic structures, mentioning Albania's support for Montenegro's NATO membership.

Speaking about the pledges made at the Welsh Summit, Minister Kodheli familiarized the participants with the recent increase of Albania’s contribution not only to NATO operations but also to those of the European Union.
In conclusion, the Minister of Defence responded to the questions of the Royal College students.