Online NATO Ministerial, Defence Minister Peleshi: Determined to Implement Wales Summit Commitments

The Defence Ministers of NATO met via a video conference on June 1st, 2021. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues that precede the Summit of the Heads of State and of NATO country's governments on June 14th, 2021. NATO 2030 initiative and the future of NATO engagement in Afghanistan were some of the essential issues discussed during the meeting.

The Defense Ministers focused on addressing issues on NATO's 2030 agenda related to strengthening the Alliance and its unity as well as the commitment to collective defense.

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Innovation at the Academy of the Armed Forces, official visit of the Defence Minister Peleshi, to Estonia

On June 2nd and 3rd, Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, paid an official visit to Estonia, at the invitation of his counterpart, Defence Minister Kalle Laanet.
Mr. Peleshi thanked Mr. Laanet for the hospitality and expressed his gratitude for the extraordinary diplomatic support of Estonia for Albania.

Defence Minister praised Estonia as one of the countries that clearly states the necessity of the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union, considering the process of negotiations opening as very essential for peace and security in the region.


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Two female military pilots from Albania and Kosovo unite the U.S and Albania in "Defender 2021"

Valdete Mehanja and Armela Murati are the two female pilots who seem to have given real meaning to the purpose of the most important U.S-led exercise taking place in Europe, "Defender 2021", the interoperability between NATO allies. Second Lieutenant Valdete Mehanja was born in Kosovo, but for many years she has been an aircraft pilot with the 1-131 Aviation Regiment, Alabama National Guard. She came to Albania as part of the American troops that are participating in the "Defender 21" exercise. At Farkë Airfield, she met the only girl in the Military Helicopter Pilot Training Course, Second Lieutenant Armela Muratin. Armela has joined the Albanian Armed Forces a year ago and says that she chose this course by chance, after being appointed to the Air Force.
The two girls didn’t only share professional secrets, but also the desire to be equal among men in this profession.

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"Defender Europe 21" in Tiranë, Defence Minister Niko Peleshi: Youth should consider the AAF as a golden career opportunity

After the tour in several cities, the exercise "Defender Europe 21" stayed in Tirana. Residents had the opportunity to look closer at "Black Hawk" helicopters, armored vehicles, and various demonstrations of American and Albanian troops.
After both Albanian and American anthems were played, the opening speech was given by the Chief of Defence Major General Bajram Begaj.

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Military equipment of “Defender Europe 2021” displayed in Vlora, Peleshi and Yuri Kim: When the allies work together, they can take on any challenge on land and air

American and Albanian troops, part of the exercise "Defender Europe 2021" have displayed equipment and put on a show of force for the citizens of Vlora in "Lungomare".
The event was attended by Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, US Ambassador Yuri Kim, as well as representatives of NATO allies.

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