Defence Minister Xhaçka receives NATO Deputy Secretary: we have increased by three times our presence in Afghanistan

Published: Friday, 14 December 2018 15:20

NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller announced from Tirana that the Alliance will invest 51 million euro in the Kuçova Airbase, meanwhile congratulating the engagement of the Albanian troops in NATO missions and welcomed the Albanian Government's decision to increase the Defence Spending to 2% of GDP by 2024.

At the Joint Press Conference, Olta Xhaçka emphasized the increasing by three times of Albanian troops in Afghanistan and welcomed the decision of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo to transform the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo Armed Forces.

Following find the full press statements of Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka and NATO Deputy Secretary Rose Gottemoeller.

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Press Conference of Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka:

Greetings to all of you,

Today, I had the distinguished honor of receiving in the Ministry of Defense NATO Deputy Secretary Madam Rose Gottemoeller and at the same time I would like to thank her very much for visiting us in Tirana just before the Holiday Season.

Together with Madam Gottemoeller discussed issues related to the challenges in the area of Alliance Defense and Security. NATO continues to face a wide range of security challenges and threats and Albania is determined and committed very seriously for maintaining Alliance's solidarity, unity and cohesion, which are indeed the values that keep us together.

At the Welsh Summit, our country pledged to gradually increase Defence Spending to 2% of GDP by 2024. In this context, I am pleased that the Albanian Government will increase Defense Budget in 2019 and particularly the budget for investments and modernization of the Armed Forces.

Focusing on investments, we are also, as you all know, very enthusiastic that NATO chose Kuçova Air Base as a tactical basis for Alliance operations in the Balkan region. This is already an ambitious project in all directions, which confirms our country as a security leader in the region and beyond. I am fully convinced that this project will be implemented in a timely manner, and Albania as a host country is highly committed to do the best in this regard.

Let me underline that Albania's contributions to NATO are the best evidence of the real contribution of small countries towards the collective security. Specifically, the presence of Albanian troops has tripled (136 personnel) in the NATO Mission in Afghanistan in less than two years, strongly supports KFOR Mission in Kosovo, and is engaged in the NATO enhanced Forwarded Presence in Latvia's Advanced Force, and in NATO maritime activity in Aegean Sea.

We have also declared / deployed a company within the NATO Response Force.
Albania is committed to its path to the European Union and continues to contribute to the EU training mission in Mali and the ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Regarding the Western Balkans region, Albania will continue to hold its firm position as a "Factor of Stability, Dialogue and Peace” by cooperating with all our neighbors. We are in favor of the EU-led dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo as a milestone for a common and stable solution. The mission of KFOR in Kosovo has contributed to the creation of a steady and secure environment for all citizens of Kosovo.
Just a few minutes ago the Assembly of Kosovo approved the establishment of the Army; on behalf of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania, I would like to welcome this historic decision which will serve to the Euro-Atlantic spirit and peace in the region. At the same time, we appreciate the determination of Kosovo authorities to continue the close co-ordination with the Alliance as well as the open door policy which is very important.
In conclusion, allow me, honorable madam Deputy Secretary-General, to thank you again for your visit to Albania and assure you that you will always be welcomed in our country!

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Press conference of NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller:

Minister Xhaçka,
Thank you for welcoming me and my delegation today!

It is a great pleasure to be here in Albania and just before we come to the Holiday Season. Your country makes valuable contributions to our Alliance. Just as you said, Albanian soldiers are part of NATO, KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. They are building greater stability in this region. We are grateful that you have increased the number of troops in our Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. You are helping us in this way to fight international terrorism.

Albania also has forces serving in NATO Multinational Battle Group in Latvia. I met your troops last February when I visited the Battle Group and I was impressed with their capabilities. They are helping us solve our military mobility problems. And Albania stands with our partners including through financial support to Ukraine and its Cyber Defences. All of this demonstrates your strong contribution to our shared security. We welcome that Albania is investing more in Defence and that you plan to increase Defence Spending to 2% of GDP by 2024. This is not just about cash, but also about investing in modern military capabilities and contributing to NATO missions and operations.

I want to congratulate you that your Light Infantry Battalion has recently been accredited very successfully.

NATO is committed to Albanian security. We plan to invest 51 million Euro to modernize the existing facilities at the Kuçova Airbase. This includes projects on field storage and handling and other logistics efforts. This program helps us all be more effective and resilient and furthermore secure.

I also wanted to comment briefly on events in Pristina this morning. Today the institutions of Kosovo have announced the adoption of three new laws initiating the process of transition of the Kosovo Security Forces. Secretary General Stoltenberg has said: “We regret that this decision was made despite the concerns of NATO”. At the same time I want to emphasize that all sides must insure that today’s decision will not further increase tensions in this region. All responsible political actors in the region need to focus on progress with reforms and dialog.

Minister
Thank you for our excellent meeting today.
It was a pleasure to be here, in your Ministry and to meet with you.
I look forward to continuing our work to make both NATO and Albania stronger and safer.

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