TIRANA, October 25 /ATA/ Albania has started preparations to host “Defender 2023” exercises.
To meet this purpose, in Tirana was organized a coordination conference.
Attending the conference was Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Bajram Begaj, the US Ambassador in Tirana, Yuri Kim and senior military representatives of the USA and Albania.
Minister Peleshi appreciated the last “Defender 2021” exercise, which took place several months ago, as a success story.
“But “Defender 2023” exercises go beyond the entire military dimension. He took the opportunity to confirm the involvement and readiness of the Albanian government to assist and facilitate all specific and general requirements for its rapid execution. Such high-visibility exercises demonstrate the strategic importance of the US Extended Prevention Policy to NATO and its European allies and partners, and reaffirms the strong commitment that the Alliance, and in particular the United States, makes to our region. “Defender 23” Europe for us remains a powerful tool of strategic communication of peace, security, stability and guarantee for our citizens, countries in the region and throughout Europe,” said Peleshi.
On her part, the U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim praised Albania’s readiness for both “Defender 2021” and the commitment expressed for “Defender 2023”. Ambassador Kim said that, “Albania is committed to its NATO allies and has consistently shown that it is a true and courageous friend and ally of the United States.”
“The fact that there are over 30 participating countries here this week shows that our goal of working together on land, sea or air is not only beneficial, but also achievable. To see the flags of our countries and the uniforms of those who train side by side, sends a strong message to our friends, as well as to our opponents, that our nations will not back down in defense of our friends and allies.”/k.s/a.a/r.e/p.s./
