Interview of Defence Minister Mrs. Mimi Kodheli to the Turkish TV TRT

Published: Thursday, 13 February 2014 14:55

This morning, Defence Minister Mrs. Mimi Kodheli, on a two-day official visit in Ankara, was invited by the Turkish TV TRT. As follows, the whole interview of Minister Kodheli.

Welcome in Turkey, Mrs Kodheli, let’s talk about the relations between our two countries and support Turkey gives for the EU integration. Since September 2013, you are the Minister of Defence of Albania. The main question is related to national security policy. How do you define it?

Minister Kodheli: Certainly, this is an important issue, since we live in a region with many problems and Albania’s role is important, and it has always been such. We, as Albania and Albanians, are making utmost efforts for our security. As NATO member country, it has a special significance. As you know, we take part with our troops in ISAF mission in Afghanistan, and in other joint mission in the framework of NATO and EU, to support peace and develop democracy in these countries. When we talk about national security, we intend not only the Albanians’ security, but also of those countries where we participate and contribute. We all need that security.

You met the Minister of Defence of Turkey and stressed that Albania is an important factor in the region form the security prospective. It was also highlighted the high level of relations between our two countries. What would you add regarding the further growth and enhancement of relations between our countries?

Minister Kodheli: These relations are not only important in the strategic and economic area, but also on Defence. We are a NATO member country and for several years, reciprocally, we have coordinated together many activities. As a NATO member country, we are part of the changes happening in NATO and we are assessing them. Bearing in mind the economical difficulties the world is facing today, we are communicating to find the best solutions, and given this, we are assessing “Smart Defence”. We are forced to cooperate and interact and take secure and joint steps ahead. We discuss them all, when we meet in the framework of NATO. As I emphasized, problems are all solvable with cooperation. We called this cooperation important, while talking with my counterpart, not only in the economical field, but also in the military industry. The latest, according to our possibilities. We posed this prospective during our talks. We also discussed with the Minister of Defence about the cooperation areas where Albania needs more, especially the support with military equipment. There is also a three million Euros aid and it is still going on, therefore I thank the Minister and the Prime Minister of Turkey.
In addition, there is the agreement signed between the Ministry of Defence and GATA hospital, and we also met with general director of GATA hospital. Based on this cooperation, we will be able to send personnel, who cannot be treated in our hospitals. I want to express my gratitude for this cooperation. It was also discussed the increase of the personnel number that can be treated in GATA hospital.

Can you say something more about the relationship of Albania, Turkey and NATO?

Minister Kodheli: It is important from the democracy and security prospective, as well as NATO member countries, since NATO represents a powerful alliance. All these countries contribute to NATO, and therefore our relationship in this context is very important. Geopolitically, the joint approach to all problems requires substantial cooperation. Within this platform, Albania and Turkey, the respective ministries, are cooperating in Intelligence, but also in other areas, as well as in Defence. The geopolitical importance is also great. As I mentioned, it was also discussed our cooperation with Kosovo, within this legal framework. We can find our common goals in the economic prospective, or even in other areas of Albania’s cooperation with other countries, in order to make it more effective. Certainly, if you know how to use the areas of cooperation in a new world, then in relation to this, take important and appropriate step toward the achievement of peace; we are forced to do so. In this prospective, as new government, we are trying to make the proper steps.

What about the Army’s role, what do you think?

Minister Kodheli: The Army’s role has been and continues to be important.

Regarding the 1992’s cooperation agreement until 2005, we noted that significant steps have been made. What do you think are the reasons?

Minister Kodheli: Certainly, during this period things and governments have changed, and that’s why we are here to give a new impetus to this cooperation. It is important for Albanians their commitment to work and live in a safe environment. For the politicians also, it is important to give to our people a vision for the achievement of these obligations. Therefore, we are assessing the importance of this cooperation and we must cooperate and take joint steps. Our cooperation is important and Albania-Turkey relations exactly highlight it. Relations between Albania and Turkey are important, as relationships with other countries are important, too. It is important to us to think for our compatriots. The reason why we are here and why we are holding these talks is another moment to take appropriate steps in the right direction. Because when we think about, time passes much faster than we think, and we should make one step ahead of time.

Besides the military and political relations, in which areas do you think they could be intensified?

Minister Kodheli: In different areas and directions. During the talks with the Minister of Defence, Mr. Yilmaz, we discussed about military projects dealing with Albania and its development. This process can be developed and expanded especially in terms of military industry. It is required a new vision. I have in mind those projects for which resources are reserved. Under a new prospective, we can renew them and it is necessary a joint intervention; investment should be made in the military industry. The level of assistance should be increased and working conditions need to improve; in this context, I think more jobs can be added. I consider here the options of safety at work, good working conditions, and I think these will bring better results. We discussed all these at the meeting we had.

What is the expectation from our and foreign investors in Security?

Minister Kodheli: In Albania, there is a situation which attracts investment. Foreign investments should be absorbed as much as possible. We need more investments in Albania. Indeed, in Albania there are opportunities for investments. I state this based on the favourable conditions that exist for investments in Albania. In a safe country, numerous investments can be absorbed. All legal conditions already exist, so investors can invest in Albania, I want to emphasize this. Besides the opportunities our country offers, steps to be legalized as investors are simpler and the labour force is cheaper. You can find in Albania a more qualified labour force. Manufacturing opportunities in our military factories are with low cost and this positively affects our economy. We are drafting agreements on projects we need to become reality and achieve success.

Regarding the EU issue. In this context, does the process continue? What do you think about the EU?

Minister Kodheli: I think we are on the right path and that Albania’s future is EU. We missed a chance last December, but I think we are on the right path. Albania and the Albanian policy deserve this. And above this, I think Albanian people deserve the status, regardless of the opinion of some European politicians. For this reason, we are all focused. Regarding the fight against corruption, we are focused; therefore, we are doing what we should do. It is an important way and we are not alone. As it is known, it is a process where we are supported by our key international friends.
If you talk about our friends in the international arena, and if we see this in the context of international relations, I must stress that changes can be noticed all the time, governments change and in this context kindness will weigh more. We are optimistic and I hope that within short time significant changes will occur. I want to thank the Turkish government for the support, especially for the great aid given to Kosovo. In this context, our international friends are supporting us in our path towards obtaining the status of EU candidate country.

Thanking you for the interview you made possible in your television, I take the opportunity to greet the citizens of my country, since I know that you transmit programs in Albanian language.
 
Thank you!