TIRANA, April 9 /ATA/ – Albania’s Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, hosted his Italian counterpart, General Luciano Portolano, in Tirana on Tuesday.

During the bilateral meeting, Kingji briefed his Italian counterpart on recent developments in Albania’s armed forces, focusing on modernization plans, strengthening operational capacities and meeting NATO standards.

Kingji expressed appreciation for close and steady cooperation with Italy’s armed forces and for their continued support across defense areas. He noted Italy’s role as particularly important in the education and training of military personnel, joint exercises and drills, and participation in NATO missions and operations.

Kingji confirmed Albania’s armed forces remain committed to continuing this cooperation at bilateral, regional and NATO levels. Portolano, for his part, thanked Kingji for the warm welcome and praised the role and contribution of Albania’s forces within NATO.

He said Albania is an important factor for peace and stability in the Balkans and a reliable partner in international operations. The two chiefs discussed regional and broader security issues and voiced their shared commitment to further deepen bilateral cooperation in defense and security.

As part of the official visit, Portolano toured Albania’s Special Operations Regiment, where he was received by its commander, Colonel Ajet Jata. He was given a detailed presentation on the unit’s structure, operational capacities, equipment and weaponry.

Earlier in his official visit to Albania, Portolano met Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The meeting underscored the role of both countries in strengthening peace and security in the region and beyond, and reaffirmed their joint commitment to tackling shared security challenges through international cooperation.

/sm/