TIRANA, May 7/ATA/ Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha held his first meeting in this capacity with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte today, highlighting Albania’s growing engagement and responsibility within the Alliance.
Hoxha wrote in the x platform that during the talks they shared the opinion that the current strategic environment reinforces that the NATO is not merely important, but fundamental to our collective defense.
“Securing our future requires enhanced collective defense, increased spending, steadfast support for Ukraine, and a rapid expansion of our industrial capacity”, said Hoxha.
According to the Albanian chief diplomat, Albania has consistently confirmed itself as a reliable, committed and active ally.
“Our contribution to collective security continues to grow through increased investment in defense, upgrade of our Armed Forces and active participation in Alliance missions and operations. Based on this trajectory, Albania remains fully committed to further strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring that our commitments render into concrete operational readiness that will enhance national and collective security,” Hoxha emphasized.
Regarding the meeting with the NATO chief, Hoxha underlined that they emphasized the significance of maintaining a strong and unified strategic focus on Ukraine.
“Albania stands fully with the Allies to provide sustained support through NATO mechanisms, including training, assistance and long-term capacity building, as part of our broader commitment to defending the rules-based international order,” Hoxha said.
Regarding the Western Balkans, Hoxha noted that, “We reaffirmed that NATO’s continued commitment remains essential for maintaining long-term stability and security in the region.”
“Albania will continue to invest in stronger regional cooperation, closer coordination among Allies and the effectiveness of NATO’s presence in Kosovo, with KFOR playing an indispensable stabilizing role,” he stated.
Likewise, Hoxha informed that, “We also spoke about Albania’s preparations to host the upcoming NATO summit in Tirana, the first to be held in the Western Balkans.”
“This commitment represents a historic responsibility, as well as a credible increase in Albania’s role within the Alliance and confirms the strategic significance of our region,” emphasized Hoxha, while informing that the meeting also focused on Albania’s full commitment, in close coordination with NATO Headquarters, to deliver a successful summit in Tirana. /p.s./
