“Cougar” Air Force Crew back home, after participating in Multinational Exercises in Germany

: Published: Tuesday, 20 June 2017 14:02

In the Air Force Facility in Farka, was held today the return ceremony of “Cougar” helicopter Air Force crew, which was part of the Saber Junction 17 and Combined Resolve VIII multinational exercises that took place in Germany under the direction of the United States of America.

Attending the ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Defense, Petro Koçi, General Staff Director, Brigadier General General Tonin Marku, Air Force Commander Brigadier General Vladimir Avdiaj, directors and officers from the Ministry of Defense and General Staff, as well as friends and relatives of the returned crew.

In his opening speech the Deputy Minister Koçi on his and the Defense Minister behalf, Mimi Kodheli, expressed the satisfaction for the safe return of the crew. Also, Koçi expressed appreciation for the highest considerations that the crew received from the organizing parties and the USA.

Further, in his speech, he stressed that this time also proved that the United States of America is a strategic partner for Albania, with whom we cooperate not only in words and letters but also in concrete actions. The Defense Deputy Minister also expressed readiness for this cooperation to continue, including the Air Force.

Mr. Koçi also thanked the host country Germany, considering it as a strategic partner for the Republic of Albania, as well as appreciating the contribution and interest in the security field. "We have demonstrated our ability to cooperate with those countries with which we have common interests, an important NATO member and a country that is a leader in the European Union, a union in which we want to become a member " - said Mr. Koci.

This was the first international exercise outside the borders of Albania in which the Air Force participated. Participation in this exercise served directly to the preparation of the Armed Forces in fulfilling the obligations of the Alliance, in the future, to put in full readiness the two "Cougar" helicopters and to become part of NATO operations.