Minister Xhaçka receives senior NATO military leaders: we will increase the number of troops in Afghanistan

: Published: Friday, 15 September 2017 19:39

Minister of Defense, Olta Xhaçka received today in special meetings the Supreme Allied Forces Commander in Europe, General Curtis M. Scaparrotti and the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Petr Pavel.

In the meeting with the Supreme Allied Forces Commander in Europe General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, she informed the senior military about her priorities as the Minister of Defense, mainly modernization and training.

Also Mrs. Xhaçka expressed to General Scaparrotti the unwavering determination of our country in support of missions and operations within NATO framework, highlighting Albania's and our Armed Forces willingness to be part of these challenges.

In this context, Minister Xhaçka informed the senior military officer about the will of the Albanian Government to increase with another platoon the number of Albanian military to the Resolute Support Mission in response to the demand of the new strategy of US President Donald Trump for Afghanistan.

On his part, after congratulating Minister Xhaçka on her new assignment, General Scaparrotti praised Albania's contribution to NATO missions, especially those in Afghanistan and Kosovo, and welcomed the will of the Albanian Government to increase its contribution to the Resolute Support Mission.

Minister Xhaçka also expressed to NATO's Military Committee Chairman General Petr Pavel the willingness to increase with a platoon Albania's contribution to Afghanistan, who welcomed this readiness too.

Regional co-operation was another issue discussed at this meeting, on which Minister Xhaçka reiterated Albania's positive stance towards NATO's open door policy.

General Pavel expressed his gratitude for Albania's contribution to NATO missions, operations and activities, respectively missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo, but also to the fight against terrorism.

Besides, General Panel appreciated Albania's role in building stability in the region, fostering co-operation throughout the Western Balkans.

The visits to our country of Generals Pavel and Scaparrotti are in the framework of the Meeting of Chiefs of Defense Staffs of NATO member countries, which is taking place in Tirana on September 15-17.