The Ambassador of Italy in Albania, Fabrizio Bucci received today in a working meeting the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Frida Krifca.

In his remarks, the Ambassador Bucci expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Krifca on her appointment as the new Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasizing the readiness to cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on environmental sustainability and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.

Krifca described Italy as one of the main partners in Albania’s EU integration process.

“The priorities of the Ministry envisage a new approach to the future, a focus on environmental sustainability and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs,” Krifca said. //a.i/

Minister Peleshi said that Albania immediately responded to the NATO call, and contributed with troops in the framework of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP), on its eastern border, since 2017. While the Albanian Contingent EOD remains committed side by side with Alliance forces, as part of the multinational battalion group, led by Canada. Minister Peleshi mentioned the tragic incident that took place in “Camp Adazi,” where two of our servicemen, Major Klodian Tanushi and Lieutenant Zarife Hasanaj, fell in the line of duty, an event that forged the ties between the two countries.

During the conversation with his Latvian counterpart, Peleshi also spoke about the events in Afghanistan, where Albania decided to stand alongside the United States.

“Our country supported NATO’s decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. However, in the face of recent developments, we reaffirmed our commitment. Albania is ready and has no hesitation to take its share of the burden. A weight that, in our opinion, should also be carried by the other countries of the Alliance. “To date, over 600 Afghan citizens have been sheltered in our country and we have clearly expressed our will and readiness to host others at risk.”

Minister Peleshi added that the deepening of cooperation is the key to overcoming difficulties and addressing common security challenges. Peleshi said that they agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation in the field of defense, focusing in particular on military education and strengthening of relations between the Armed Forces Academy and the Baltic Defense College.

Albania’s Ministry of Defense praises the deployment of the Latvian Armed Forces in the KFOR Mission, as a major contribution to the stability of the Western Balkans.

According to Minister Peleshi, supporting Kosovo in its aspirations towards membership with international organizations, contributing to peace and security, promotes development of the region and inhibits the expansion of influence from other countries that challenge democracy in the Western Balkans.
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