Albania 9 years in NATO, Xhaçka: We are an active part of any of the Alliance operations

Published: Wednesday, 04 April 2018 16:56

On the 9th Anniversary of Albania's Membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka confirmed the political will of the Albanian Government to support any NATO decision and to be an active part of any operation.

On the occasion of the 9th Anniversary of Albania’s NATO Membership, Minister Xhaçka, Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku, members of the Parliament, Force Commanders and Attachés of allied countries were in the premises of the Special Forces Battalion and Commando Battalion in Zall - Herr.

Minister Xhaçka described NATO as the largest Political and Military Alliance of the time and the Albania's membership in it was a culmination point and an extraordinary historic achievement for our country.

Minister mentioned the commitment of our Armed Forces to NATO operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the fact that Albania during these years has been transformed into a country that generates and provides security. "Even though Albania is a small country with limited possibilities, it remains one of the most committed NATO countries and has inherent contributions in relation to its size, the population, the Armed Forces and economic resources. Our Armed Forces today count many missions and over 7,000 troops engaged in these missions. Our country has become part of the map of the countries that generate and provide security. Our Armed Forces are involved in a continuous and progressive development, in line with alliance requirements and changes in the security environment. They more and more resemble allied counterparts, in particular as regards equipment, education, training, thought, and performance. I am delighted that in my experience as Defence Minister, I noticed this fact not only in my contacts with the Armed Forces structures, but also by visits to the theater of operations where they carry out their noble mission in defence of peace in the hotspots of the globe where peace is threatened," - said Minister Xhaçka, who at the same time highlighted the determination of our country to be engaged in every NATO engagement.

"I confirm the Government's political will that our Armed Forces will continue to be an active part of NATO's operations and any effort to preserve or restore peace, where NATO and its decision-making will consider it indispensable."

Also, Minister Xhaçka appreciated the work of every Albanian soldier during these years, from the sublime sacrifice of the Nation Martyr Captain Feti Vogli, to the boys and girls who are among the community during difficult situations and civil emergencies.

Subsequently, participants attended some demonstrative actions by members of the Special Forces Battalion and Commando Battalion, and closely saw the tools, equipment and armaments that these two elite units of the Albanian Armed Forces use.