TIRANA, March 7 /ATA/ –By I. Vata/ – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday praised Albania’s key role in promoting stability and cooperation across the Western Balkans.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Albanian President Bajram Begaj after their talks at the NATO HQ in Brussels, Stoltenberg underlined that Albania is a valued Ally with a long history of stepping up to support NATO Allies and partners.
“You contribute to NATO’s multinational forces in Latvia and in Bulgaria, helping to deter any aggression. And your forces serve in NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and our capacity-building mission in Iraq. Last month your country responded rapidly to the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, sending search and rescue and medical personnel,” the NATO chief said.
Stoltenberg also underlined that Albania plays a key role in promoting stability and cooperation across the Western Balkans – a region of strategic importance to NATO.
“I also welcome your active role in promoting NATO’s Open Door policy. And I commend Albania for ratifying the Accession Protocols for Finland and Sweden so quickly. This demonstrates that NATO’s door remains open. And that we stand for the right of every nation to choose its own path. All of these contributions show Albania’s strong commitment to our Alliance. And NATO is committed to Albania. Allies stood with you following the cyber-attacks last year,” he added.
“We also discussed Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. President Putin President Putin is launching new offensives and waves of deadly missile attacks. Our response must be to continue providing Ukraine with what they need to prevail. Allies are stepping up with unprecedented support. And I welcome Albania’s pledge of aid.We must continue our support for as long as it takes,” Stoltenberg stated.
The NATO Secretary General underlined that he and President Begaj had also discussed NATO’s commitment to the Western Balkans, with the two agreeing on the importance of NATO’s presence in the region, including the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
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