Hoxha said Albania’s 2026 defence budget marked the country’s most ambitious investment in defence since joining NATO, contributing to stronger national capabilities and collective security.

“Our 2026 defence budget represents the most ambitious level of investment since Albania joined the Alliance, contributing to stronger national capabilities and collective security,” Foreign Minister said.

He also reiterated Albania’s support for Ukraine, describing it as a cornerstone of European security, and pledged continued assistance through NATO mechanisms.

Hoxha told allies that on June 12 he will co-host in Tirana, alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Ministerial Meeting, which he described as an important platform for reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, security and stability in Europe.

In a post on X following the meeting on Friday, Hoxha stressed the importance of adopting a “360-degree approach” to security and maintaining a strong focus on stability in the Middle East and the Western Balkans.

“Albania remains fully committed to supporting regional stability, including allied discussions on the future of KFOR and NATO cooperation with Kosovo,” he said.

Hoxha described the prospect of a future NATO summit in Tirana as a historic moment for the region and a strong signal of the Alliance’s long-term commitment to the Western Balkans.

“As we move toward the NATO summit in Ankara in July 2026, I underlined the importance and significance of holding a future NATO summit in Tirana, which would represent a historic moment for the region and a strong signal of the Alliance’s enduring commitment to the Western Balkans,” Hoxha said.

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In a statement on social media, Foreign Minister Spiropali said Albania remained a “reliable ally” in efforts to strengthen collective security.

Foreign Minister underlined Albania’s commitment to military mobility and described Corridor VIII – a transport route linking the Adriatic and Black Sea regions – as a strategic artery for NATO readiness.

“We and our allies remain committed to upgrading infrastructure, harmonising procedures and boosting rapid-movement capabilities as a concrete contribution to the Alliance’s collective security,” she said.

NATO foreign ministers are expected to discuss follow-up measures from the NATO summit in The Hague, continued support for Ukraine and steps to bolster the Alliance against hybrid and other multidimensional threats.

Spiropali will also join a meeting of the countries that signed the letter of intent on Corridor VIII, where discussions will focus on advancing troop and equipment mobility in the region, and Albania’s invitation to partner countries to a ministerial meeting in Tirana early next year.

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Vengu said Friday that discussions focused on regional stability, modernization of Albania’s Armed Forces and joint defense projects.

At the meeting with new US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vengu congratulated him on his assignment, with both agreeing on deeper, strategic and high-level cooperation and shared objectives.

Defense Minister Vengu also met with French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu, to discuss coordinated steps towards modernization of Albanian Armed Forces, and ways to take key defense projects forward without delays.

The meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense of Croatia, Ivan Anušić, focused on stronger defense cooperation in Kosovo security efforts in the Adriatic-Ionian region.

Vengu also invited Anušić to visit Tirana for further talks.

Talks with the Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto centered on advancing projects on military capabilities across land, air, and sea.

Defense Minister also held talks with his Hungarian counterpart, Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristof, to discuss closer defense industry cooperation, military medical training, and security expertise sharing.

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On the second day of the NATO Ministerial, the defence ministers discussed the implementation of key decisions we made during NATO Summit in Washington, progress in bolstering common deterrence and defence, as well as they reviewed the status of NATO’s current operations and missions.

In his remarks at this session, Defence Minister Vengu focused on importance of the Alliance’s comprehensive approach of deterrence and defence, calling for increased attention on the Western Balkans region. He also shared the concern over the security challenges facing the region.

“It is important that we speak clearly and act quickly to guarantee the region’s security under the Euro-Atlantic security umbrella,” Vengu stated.

Defence Minister also highlighted NATO-led KFOR mission’s fundamental role in ensuring stability in the region, calling for more attention to the hybrid dynamics and malignant activities, especially in Northern Kosovo and the disturbing events in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He emphasized the importance of NATO contribution to facilitate Kosovo-Serbia political dialogue, as well as the need for quick actions to respond to any changes to the security situation.

He welcomed NATO’s strategic decisions on the region’s Euro-Atlantic integration, stating that role of KFOR is irreplaceable for the stability in the Balkans.

Vengu affirmed that Albania will enhance its military contribution to EUFOR-ALTHEA mission starting as of January 2025.

Defence Minister also reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to investment program designed to build a solid infrastructure of the Host Nation, which includes Corridor VIII with its NATO naval base in Porto Romano, allowing for quick access of allied forces to the southeast flank of the Alliance.

Corridor VIII was on focus of discussions during the NATO Ministerial.

Vengu and ministers of defence of Italy, Bulgaria, North Macedonia signed the document to join Romania in the Letter of Intent signed by Albania, Italy, North Macedonia and Bulgaria for the provision of Military Mobility along the VIII pan-European Corridor.  The Letter of Intent was signed during the NATO Summit in Washington, in July 2024.

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Mayor Veliaj took to the social media on Thursday to share images of the summit, where he outlined Tirana’s projects for free youth courses at the Pyramid, soft loans for young family homes, free transport for pensioners and students, and school meals for children.

He underlined that these initiatives are beyond left and right, ensuring that no one is left behind as our city thrives

“Fantastic catching up at Bloomberg CityLab summit with US Mayors of St. Louis, MO., Chattanooga, TN., Oklahoma City, OK and Hartford, CT. East or west, cities are facing similar challenges in housing, digital literacy and inclusive growth. Got to share Tirana’s projects for free youth courses at the Pyramid, soft loans for young family homes, free transport for pensioners and students, and school meals for children! This is beyond left and right, ensuring that no one is left behind as our city thrives,” Veliaj wrote.

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Defence Minister Vengu said that the meeting confirmed the Coalition’s determination to continue joint commitment and efforts in Iraq.

According to Vengu, NATO Defence Ministers also agreed to boost cooperation with their Indo-Pacific partners and to step up support for Ukraine.

Defence Minister reaffirmed Albania’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s effort for stability and security, saying that the country will provide training for the Ukrainian soldiers.

“The two countries will negotiate the defence cooperation agreement and Albania’s long-term support for Ukraine. Albania will also offer training for Ukraine’s military personnel,” Defence Minister announced.

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This important NATO Foreign Ministers meeting will focus on a broader NATO’s agenda as the Alliance is starting to focus on the main priorities, and accomplishments on its 75th anniversary, which also coincides with the Washington Summit next July.

During his stay in Brussels, Foreign Minister Hasani will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from NATO members, including Türkiye, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denniark, Estonia etc.

After the NATO ministerial, Hasani will travel to Skopje to attend the OSCE Foreign Ministers’ meeting, on November 30 – December 1, 2023.

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