Albania deploys the First Contingent in the NATO Group-Battalion in Latvia

: Published: Wednesday, 14 June 2017 15:00

The Support Command facility hosted today the ceremony of sending the first contingent of EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) to the NATO operational mission within the framework of the Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.

Attending the ceremony were the Minister of Defense, Mimi Kodheli, the Commander of the Support Command Colonel Ardian Bali, Commanders of the General Staff and Defense Ministry as well as family members and relatives of EOD members.

The Minister of Defense, Mimi Kodheli in her speech said that after the NATO membership, the concept of Collective Defense has evolved our perception of protection, as now the boundaries of each Ally are our borders, which embody the values of freedom and democracy. "In this context, these boys will leave today as part of the Alliance's advanced force to contribute and guarantee the defense and security of NATO allied countries in Eastern Europe".

Further, Minister Kodheli stressed the accountability and seriousness of the government, the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania to bear the share of the burden that our country has to face within the Alliance, as well as the commitment to fulfill the obligations in the framework of engagements with the allied states as agreed at the Warsaw Summit.

At the end of her speech, Minister Kodheli said: "In order to be here at this event, this day, time, energy and resources have been spent on modernizing equipment, intensified training and improved physical and operational capabilities. The merits go to your sweat, effort, and sacrifices during preparation and exercises within and outside the country, with our allies and partners. I am confident that this engagement will serve to enhance the interoperable and cooperative skills by applying the standard Alliance procedures. At the same time, you will demonstrate the already outstanding skills, valuable experiences and best practices ".

EOD is the special facility for the elimination of hazardous materials of the Support Command Battalion. This structure is a priority of the Support Command and the Armed Forces, and besides domestic engagement, it contributes with representatives in Mali, Africa and even in Latvia. Albania is part of the battalion group in Latvia under the command of Canada; together with Italy, Poland and Slovenia participate.

Currently, four multinational battalions are being deployed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, to be directed respectively from the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and the United States. Our forces will provide EOD capacity for the battalion deployed in Latvia, which is considered a very important supporting capacity.