The French National Day; Defence Minister attends the oldest military parade in the world

Published: Saturday, 14 July 2018 20:26

Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka participated in the Bastille Day Military Parade in Paris organized on the occasion of July 14th, the French National Day. Minister Xhaçka and senior representatives of many countries attended the oldest Military Parade in the world, which is traditionally held at Champs Elysees on the invitation of the President Emanuel Macron,.

The Defence Minister travelled to Paris after the Adriatic Charter Defense Ministerial held in Croatia and NATO Summit in Brussels. In both of these important meetings was assessed Albania's contribution on peacekeeping missions and NATO's collective defense operations. Right now our country is spending 1.2% of GDP, whereas the goal of the Albanian Government is to increase the budget up to 2% until 2024.

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“Lissus” replaces “Butrint” in the Aegean Sea

Published: Friday, 13 July 2018 15:02

The Albanian Naval Force Ship Lissus and its crew, set off for the NATO operation "Sea Guardian". “Lissus” will replace “Butrint” that has been patrolling for about 6 months in the Aegean Sea.
The 9th Contingent left from Pashaliman Naval Base, and will serve for 3 months in the Aegean Sea operation.


The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Naval Force, representatives of local government in Vlora, Directors of the General Staff of AAF. There were also invited family members of the servicemen sent to the operation.
Two women are also part of “Lissus” crew, LT Eglantina Mone and Sgt Milika Poçi, nurse by profession.

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NATO Summit, Prime Minister Rama meets US President Trump

Published: Thursday, 12 July 2018 15:25

On the second day of the NATO Summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Rama had a meeting with the US President Donald Trump.

The Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka, published on Facebook a photo of the two leaders shaking hands with one another: "At today's plenary session of the NATO Summit, President Trump particularly greeted the Prime Minister of Albania for his speech at the dinner of the Alliance leaders last night", - wrote Minister Xhaçka.

Albania has been among the first countries to respond positively to President Trump's strategy regarding Afghanistan by increasing 60% of its troops in the NATO Resolute Support Mission.

Moreover, Albania participates in all NATO operations and has begun to increase the Defence budget, a well-known request of President Trump.

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AAF helicopters equipped to extinguish fires. Defence Minister Xhaçka: Capacities 12 times higher than last year

Published: Friday, 06 July 2018 16:43

Air Force Cougar helicopters have been equipped with new bambi buckets for extinguishing and localizing fires on difficult terrain. New bambi buckets with a capacity of 2500 liters each, increase the capacity of the AAF for extinguishing fire from the air by 12 times. This compared to the private service contracted to one year ago. The increased capacity is possible through new bambi buckets fitted on helicopters as well as to longer flight hours that a Cougar helicopter can undergo.

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Dibra City Council honors the Captain of the AAF: Gratitude for the sacrifice of every serviceman in uniform

Published: Thursday, 28 June 2018 12:23

Dibra will always remember Captain Floran Delia, the Air Force pilot, who lost his life in an air crash two years ago. At a ceremony held in the Palace of Culture in Peshkopi participating members of his family, colleagues and citizens of Peshkopi. Captain Floran Delia was honored with the title "Honor Citizen" (posthumous), resolution of the City Council.

The Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka during her speech said that the commemoration of the fallen AAF Heroes is at the same time a deserved attention for the Albanian military men.

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