TIRANA, May 31 /ATA/ – Albania is highly committed and will continue its contribution to peacekeeping missions alongside NATO.
Minister of Defence, Olta Xhaçka, held an official visit to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) where she was hosted by Supreme Allied Commander, Curtis M. Scaparrotti.
The aim of this visit is to strengthen cooperation between Albania and Allied Command Operations (ACO) and discuss the strong commitment of our country to NATO operations.
General Scaparrotti highlighted the key role of Albania in the Western Balkans and Afghanistan, contributing to collective security of NATO.
At the meeting with the senior US military official, minister Xhaçka asserted the determination of our country to contribute to all NATO operations. “Albania is committed and will continue to contribute to Mission Resolute Support in Afghanistan, KFOR Kosovo, NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia, NATO missions in the Aegean, NATO Response Force and New Strategic Direction South Hub in Naples, “ she said.
General Scaparrotti highlighted the importance of Albania’s contribution to NATO and the recent increase in defence expenditures.
Afterwards, minister Xhaçka briefed general Scaparrotti on the decision of Albanian govt. to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan. “ A few days ago the Albanian govt. approved an increase by 60 percent of our troops deployed in Resolute Support Mission. Furthermore, for 2019 Albania has decided in principle to increase our extra contribution, she said.
Minister Xhaçka highlighted the importance of KFOR in Kosovo where our country has beefed up its contribution. Praising the role of KFOR as crucial for peace and prosperity in Kosovo, she said: We have sent a company to serve with KFOR operational reserve force.
Albania has increased on a year-to-year basis its contribution to NATO missions and is committed to raise defense budget to 2 percent until 2024.
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