TIRANA, May  22  /ATA/ Minister of Defense, Niko Peleshi, on Monday greeted the military exercise “Defender Europe 2023”, expressing the readiness for cooperation with the USA, in the field of security and defense.

He described it as an “extraordinary exercise that makes us feel proud, after the success achieved two years ago in “Defender Europe 2021.” We hope that these exercises will become a tradition for increasing the interoperability of the AF with NATO forces in dealing with any kind of situation,” said Peleshi.

“The exercise “Defender Europe 2023,” the minister continued, “is a multidimensional exercise directed by the US army, involving the elite personnel of 26 allied countries. Alongside them is the elite personnel from the countries of the Western Balkans, which confirms full support for the protection of the principles and values ​​shared by our alliance.”

“This exercise is defensive in nature and focuses on joint preparedness to cope with crises, reflecting stability and security in the countries of Europe. Defender takes place in a time of crisis and difficulty, as borders are threatened amid the unprecedented and brutal Russian attack on Ukraine. Ukraine deserves our support,” said Peleshi.

The minister pointed out that, “Albania has a strong partnership with the US in the field of security and defense, which we are very proud of.”

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