Xhaçka in Izmir, surprise visit to the "Butrinti" vessel on mission in the Aegean Sea

Published: Wednesday, 28 March 2018 19:08

Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka paid a 24-hour visit to Izmir, where she met 21 seamen of the 7th Navy contingent, part of the NATO operation in the Aegean Sea since January this year.

"All our focus at this moment is on education and training as well as the career of each of you, who for the sake of truth, work by having limitations and facing sacrifices. All of this contribution is a very important legacy that will be left to the generations, providing security for our country and contributing to peace beyond our country's borders.

As far as treatment is concerned, we are aware that there is still much to improve. The treatment is not comparable to other allies and perhaps it is not even that we would like to be.

I want to assure you that I as minister and the government are maximally committed to bring a new standard to your human and financial treatment. And of course a new standard in the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces for career advancement, making it increasingly meritocratic.

I would like to thank all of you personally, and I very much hope that this mission will be successfully fulfilled by this contingent and I wish you will return in good shape among your families, "said the Minister during the meeting with the seamen of this contingent.

During her visit in Izmir the Defense Minister had a meeting with Deputy Commander of NATO Land Force, Lieutenant General Paolo Ruggiero, who best appreciated Albania's contribution to NATO and EU missions.

Mrs. Xhacka also met the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at NATO Naval Command, Vice- Admiral Jens Nemeyer, Commander of NATO Permanent Nation Group No. 2, Rear Admiral Mike Utley.

Minister Xhaçka visited "Bayern" vessel, which is the ship heading the task group number 2, in the NATO mission to the Aegean Sea.

Since 2016, 7 contingents and two vessels (Oriku and Butrinti) have been included in the NATO Aegean mission, P-132 "Oriku" and P-134 “Butrinti”. The role of “Butrinti” vessel in this operation is to carry out reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance of illegal crossings in the maritime / activity area in cooperation with the Greek, Turkish and EU maritime authorities of the "Frontex" maritime authorities, for cessation of the traffic lines and illegal immigration to the Aegean Sea, until a stable situation.

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