The event was attended by senior U.S. and state officials, including New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, the state’s adjutant general and commissioner for military affairs.

The partnership, launched in 2001, has played a key role in the modernization of Albania’s armed forces through training, professional development and capacity-building initiatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Defense Minister described Albania’s relationship with the United States as a cornerstone of the country’s foreign and security policy.

“Albania is proud of its strategic relationship with the United States. This friendship and partnership should continue across generations and serve as a model for others,” Nufi said.

He highlighted cooperation in areas including the development of the non-commissioned officer corps, military education, military medicine, civil emergency management and international missions, including operations in Afghanistan.

According to the Defence Ministry, the partnership has contributed to strengthening Albania’s military capabilities and advancing shared efforts to support Euro-Atlantic security.

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Speaking at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the State Partnership Program between New Jersey and Albania, VanHorn said the partnership reflects a long-standing alliance built on shared values and mutual commitment.

“Twenty-five years ago, a partnership was born not only between two military forces, but between two nations united by common values and a shared vision for peace,” she said, adding that such alliances are “forged over decades of trust, sacrifice and mutual engagement.”

VanHorn said the partnership began in 2001 with a commitment to train together and learn from one another, noting that New Jersey supported Albania’s accession to NATO in 2009. She added that joint deployments to Afghanistan demonstrated how U.S. and Albanian forces act as a “force multiplier for freedom” when operating together.

Looking ahead, she highlighted ongoing cooperation, including joint exercises such as “Eagle Strike,” where Albanian and U.S. cadets trained side by side, and recent drone training showcasing the adoption of modern military technologies.

“This is what a modern partnership looks like – not static, but dynamic; not rooted in the past, but evolving with the nature of modern warfare,” VanHorn said.

She added that the partnership embodies the principle of “peace through strength,” building capable and ready forces to deter aggression and defend freedom.

“As we mark 25 years, this partnership is measured not only in anniversaries, but in the bonds between our service members, the capabilities we build and the security we provide to our nations and our Alliance,” VanHorn said, pledging continued cooperation in the years ahead.

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