BRUSSELS, Jan 29 /ATA/ – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Albania as a valued Ally at a meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama at the Alliance’s Headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday.
Stoltenberg thanked PM Rama him for Albania’s participation in NATO’s operations, missions and deployments in Kosovo, Afghanistan and in the Baltic States as “solid contributions” to the Alliance’s shared security.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg extended first his and the Alliance’s condolences over the victims of the deadly earthquake that hit Albania last November.
“Welcome to the NATO Headquarters. It’s great to see you again. We were all shocked by the earthquake that hit Albania last November. And at NATO we all feel the pain of those who suffered,” Stoltenberg said in his remarks at a joint press conference with PM Rama.
“Edi also suffered a personal loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones in that terrible earthquake. NATO responded through our disaster relief coordination centre. We mobilized help from Allies and partners. This shows that when one Ally suffers, we all stand together. And we act together,” NATO Secretary General added.
Stoltenberg went on to say that “Albania is a valued Ally and Albania’s participation in NATO’s operations, missions and deployments in Kosovo, Afghanistan and in the Baltic States are solid contributions to our shared security.”
“We can count on Albania’s active and positive commitment to stability and cooperation in the Western Balkans region. And your active role in promoting NATO’s Open Door policy. I am encouraged by Albania’s efforts to invest more in defence. And I support you in this endeavour. NATO’s investment in Kuçovë airbase shows our commitment to Albania and to the region. And this will help us make all become safer because it will strengthen our presence in this part of Europe,” Stoltenberg noted.
“So Prime Minister Rama, thank you once again for Albania’s strong contribution to our shared security and our stability. Through NATO and now through the OSCE chairmanship,” Stoltenberg concluded.
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