TIRANA, Oct. 21 /ATA/ – Albania’s first helicopter contingent will join NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission in Kosovo.
A departure ceremony was held at Farka Air Base for 13 members of the Albanian Armed Forces who will serve in the NATO mission at the U.S. military base Camp Bondsteel, marking an important milestone for the Air Force and expanding Albania’s contribution to international operations.
Addressing the ceremony, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi described the deployment as evidence of the professionalism of Albanian military personnel and the responsibilities the country fulfils as a committed NATO ally.
“The contingent we are sending off today is part of this effort. It demonstrates that the Air Force is expanding its role and that our Armed Forces are consolidating their capabilities to carry out increasingly important tasks within NATO,” Nufi said.
The mission is particularly important for Albania, he said, not only because of the historic and brotherly ties between Albania and Kosovo, but also because Kosovo’s security and stability are directly linked to the peace and security of Albania and the wider region.
“Albania’s commitment to KFOR remains unwavering. We are fully committed to continuing to fulfil our responsibilities with seriousness, in close cooperation with our allies and partners, in the service of collective security,” Nufi said.
He added that Albania’s contribution to international security extended beyond KFOR to include operations led by NATO, the European Union and the United Nations.
Those attending the ceremony included Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, Air Force Commander Brigadier General Voci, other military commanders and officials, and family members of the personnel deploying on the mission.
/gj.m/j.p/r.e/u.sh/
