Addressing a high-level conference of general staff chiefs from Balkan countries in Durres, focusing on regional security and cooperation and youth involvement, the Albanian head of state said that event was a vital tool to foster cooperation and it contributes to peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.

Begaj highlighted the role of youth in ensuring a secure future, emphasizing the need for their active involvement in defense and security matters.

Welcoming Slovenia and Croatia, Begaj emphasized that today’s forum would have been more complete with Kosovo’s participation.

“I avail myself of the opportunity to hail NATO Assembly’s decision to advance Kosovo’s status as an associate member as a step towards a safer and more European region. I have emphasized and will continue to emphasize that Kosova’s membership in international political and security organizations in the region and globally, like the Adriatic Charter A5, will be a valuable addition and an extraordinary contribution to peace and security,” President Begaj stated.

The conference brought together top military officials from Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, as well as observers from Croatia and Slovenia.

The event was attended by high-ranking military officials, including representatives from NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy.

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