Xhaçka receives the Italian counterpart: Albania will chair several regional initiatives next year

Published: Tuesday, 23 October 2018 15:26

The Defence Minister of the Republic of Albania, Olta Xhaçka met her Italian counterpart, Mrs. Elisabetta Trenta. During the meeting, Minister Xhaçka praised Italy as one of the closest historical partners and as an ally of Albania's journey for the integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. Minister Xhaçka confirmed to the counterpart Trenta the Albania’s unquestioned determination to continue its representation with the due rhythm in operations, missions and initiatives within NATO framework.

The minister noted that only this year, Albania has doubled the number of the troops participating in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

***

Press release of the Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka:

First of all, let me express my full pleasure to receive in this meeting as honorary guest, the Defence Minister of Italy, Mrs Elisabetta Trenta and the her delegation. This visit is also a great opportunity to closely talk about important issues of the current co-operation in the field of Defence.

I make the most of it to point out that Italy remains, undoubtedly, one of the closest partners and an historically ally of our severe journey, towards the integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures. It is also one of the most loyal supporters of the aspiration of Albanians to become part of the European Union in the near future. And when I talk about "support" I refer first to the hospitality, acceptance, tolerance and kindness shown to thousands of Albanian families who are feeling in Italy as in their homeland.

I confirmed to Minister Trenta our complete will to continue with the due rhythm in operations, missions and initiatives within NATO framework. We have responded not only to the Alliance's needs, but also to our strategic allies, and only this year, as you are informed, we have doubled the troops participating in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

Our military ships save innocent lives of immigrants in the Aegean Sea, while our EOD Contingent within the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence continues to receive maximum estimates for its contribution to the security of the territory of Latvia as well as the allied citizens there.

We also conferred that the presence of our military troops in KFOR Kosovo is an example of the correctness and cooperation; a clear reflection of our desire for peace, stability, cooperation and coexistence in the region. Without doubt Albania and Albanians will continue to be stability factors and promoters of the integration policies for the Balkan countries.

Allow me to bring at your attention that next year Albania will have the lead of several regional initiatives such as the US - Adriatic Charter Initiative (A5) and the South East Europe Ministerial Defense Initiative. It will be an extraordinary opportunity to give the maximum contribution to strengthening the cooperation and interaction in our region.

Albania and Italy are two worthy allies within the Alliance, who concretize their extensive co-operation at the regional level as well. We feel good that our staff is now part of the "Regional HUB" for the South at the Naples Joint Forces Command. Also, a strong test of our cooperation is the participation of Albania in the NATO Excellence Center for the Stability Force in Rome. And believe me; this is very meaningful, as it was the first time that we joined as a sponsorship site for the network of NATO's excellence centers.

Dear Minister Trenta,

I reaffirm the full readiness for further intensive and long-term cooperation between our two Armed Forces and Ministries. I am convinced that bilateral cooperation plans for the future will be a strong base in this regard. In particular, I would like to thank you for the support in the education of a considerable military contingent over the years, in your excellent academies and with extraordinary traditions. I wish this cooperation to reach even higher levels.

Later, during the day, we will also be able to jointly follow the works of Italy-Albania workshop, with the presence of several prestigious Italian military companies. We think that cooperation in the field of Logistics and Defense Industry are opportunities that should be considered in the greatest interest.

Finally, it is worth emphasizing that Albania remains committed to the common fight against illegal immigration, trafficking in order to ensure full security on the shores of the two countries..

Once again, Minister, it is a pleasure to have you today among us!
Thank you!

***

Press release of the Italian Defence Minister Mrs. Elisabetta Trenta:

I thank Minister Xhaçka and the Albanian authorities for the warm hospitality and the expression of positive assessments on the role of the Italian State in Albania and in the Balkans. Thank you in particular, to Mr. Edi Rama, whom I had the pleasure to meet this morning.

I express my pleasure for this visit in Tirana and the opening of other visits in the coming months by other members of the Italian Government.

During the meetings I had today, I have expressed the unwavering support of the Italian State on the European path of Albania and the support for the reforms launched in the framework of the negotiations for Albania's EU accession.

With my counterpart Xhaçka I have dealt with a number of arguments of mutual interest: from strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of education, training, military medicine, to participation in important international military missions, especially in Afghanistan within "Resolute Support Mission", for the political and military situation in the regional framework of the Balkan countries, and for the important role that Albania has had in this respect.

Another topic of common interest was the argument about the NATO's attention to the challenges facing the southern coast of the Alliance, which has recently seen us as important promoters of initiatives in Brussels, which have given rise to important developments.

We will have the opportunity to look briefly on cooperation opportunities in the Defense Industry sector through a workshop where important societies will participate in this sector. This is another meeting that makes my visit to Tirana even more interesting and full of discussions that I will refer in Rome and will share them with the Head of the Italian Council of Ministers and with the vice-presidents of the Italian state.