TIRANA, July 13 /ATA/ – The Albanian Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka attended Friday the U.S.- Adriatic Charter (A-5) meeting where she met with US Secretary of Defense, James Mattis.
“Albania’s contribution to the Alliance has been valued at the NATO Summit. Our contribution to Afghanistan, the second in proportion with the size of the Armed Forces. Albania ranks 13 among other member states for its contribution to all missions and alliance operations, ” Minister Xhaçka said.
According to Mattis, Albania’s contribution to NATO is greater than its geographical size
Minister Xhacka said that,” it is time for the expansion of the Adriatic Charter, adding that, too soon, A-5 will become A-6, following the invitation of the Albanian government extended to Kosovo to become a member.”
The U.S.- Adriatic Charter is an initiative formed by Albania, Croatia, Macedonia and the United States with the specific goal to support its member countries on their way to NATO membership.
The Charter represents a strategic partnership between the member countries which recognize common interests, such as the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations between the member states and other countries in the region, with a view to ensure safety and total integration into European and transatlantic political, economic, security and defence institutions. //a.i/
