Mission in Aegean Sea, Minister Xhaçka: We will support NATO next year as well

: Published: Saturday, 28 October 2017 18:50

The mission of the Albanian Naval Force to the NATO operation in the Aegean Sea will be extended. During the tour of duty to the Naval Force Command in Durrës, Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka has announced that the mission, scheduled to close at the end of this year, will continue next year. Such a decision, according to the Defense Minister, is related to the very positive performance that the Albanian crew of the "Oriku" Vessel has had with their contribution to the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations of immigrants in the Aegean Sea last year.

"Human contribution is what I value the most in the Armed Forces. Every day I feel proud and grateful for the effectives of each of the forces: Land, Naval or Air Force. I am very proud to be informed about your results in SAR operations in our territorial waters, much more on international missions. I also can not hide the pleasure when citizens from all over Albania and not only, congratulate you on social networks, media or public forums.

Our Naval Force has over fulfilled our ambition. The participation of our crews, so far with the Oriku Vessel and soon with Butrinti Vessel, in the NATO operation in the Aegean Sea confirms this. Our initial commitment was to stay in this operation up to the end of 2017, but let me make you know that a few days ago we confirmed to the Alliance that Albanian boys and girls will continue to patrol the Aegean Sea for another 12 months to save other human lives, such as the 700 Syrian immigrants who have come down safely on the shore, or others who will have the same good fortune, through the contribution of the militaries who wave the Albanian flag in the international waters", - stated Minister Xhaçka.

At the end of November, another vessel from the Navy, the one that will replace "Oriku", will leave to the Aegean Sea. The good news according to the Defense Minister, is the equipping of four patrolling vessels with a new armament system.

"I know, there are problems that require solutions and difficulties that need to be overcome. And I'm sure we will succeed, starting from the closest one, the modernization of our Armed Forces. Soon our patrolling vessels will be involved in this process of modernization. Their operability will increase through the modern armament system that will be installed here, in Iliria, Butrint or Oriku, which will return by the end of the year from the Aegean Sea. We have the utmost commitment to complete this process this year by strengthening in such a way the mission for territorial sovereignty, or even the assistance that may be required by our neighbors and our international partners", - said the Defense Minister.

"Iliria" is one of the vessels that for the first time will be equipped with a modern armament system within a few months.

Minister Xhacka remained for several hours on board attending an Emergency Intervention Exercise in case of dangerous situation and had dinner with the 12 crew members of the vessel.