Defence Minister Xhaçka pays an official visit to the United Kingdom: Training and education of the Albanian military leadership in UK

Published: Thursday, 21 June 2018 13:49

Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka had a two-day visit in the United Kingdom invited by of her British counterpart, Gavin Williamson.

During her stay in London, Minister Xhaçka also met with the Minister for Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, the General Director of Foreign Policy, Richard Moore, and the Minister of State for Defence, Lord Frederick Curzon, who is also the Deputy Leader of the House of Lords.

In meetings with British officials, Minister Xhaçka praised the contribution and support of the United Kingdom for Albania's key reforms in strengthening democracy and the rule of law, which she considered as crucial on the path towards the Euro-Atlantic integration. Moreover, Minister Xhaçka considered that the opening of the negotiations for Albania's membership in the European Union increases the responsibility of our institutions for further transformation of the country.

Mrs. Xhacka said that Albania deserves the opening of membership negotiations, which, in her opinion, would be a positive and stabilizing step for the domestic and regional politics as well as the security perspective.

On his part, UK Secretary of Defence Gavin Williamson said that Albania has made important steps in strengthening democratic institutions and he considered our country a very important factor in the Balkans.

Secretary Williamson accessed the cooperation with Albania in the field of Defence as excellent and with high expectation for the future.

Minister Xhaçka praised UK support for educating and training the personnel of the Albanian Forces in the Royal Academies of Defence: Army, Naval and Air Force.

"With the support of the UK Government, we are working to build the future military leadership in the Armed Forces of Albania," said Minister Xhaçka during the meeting with her British counterpart.
She also mentioned the pilot training, strategic communication and civil emergency structures as future areas of cooperation.

In September, the Joint - Exercise "Albanian Lion 2018" will take place in Albania, with the participation of hundreds of UK military officers.