Minister Vengu said that work has begun on the Strategic Defense Review (SDR), with a focus on modernization of forces and reaching of the capacity objectives set at the NATO Summit in The Hague.

According to Vengu, “Two are the main things set and they are transparent planning based on real priorities, taking into account the upgrade of tools, equipment and systems through the “Made in Albania” industry from ammunition and light weapons to armored vehicles, civil emergency vehicles, heavy artillery, combat drones, and anti-aircraft systems”.

“Secondly, there is the development and specialization of human resources based on new academic infrastructure, increased financial treatment and promotion of military careers for young Albanians. Special attention will be paid to strengthening the Special Operations Regiment and the Cyber Command as two pillars of our military excellence”, said Vengu, in addition to the modernization of Civil Defense and territorial control by investing in the air and ground fleets, and real-time monitoring and command-and-control systems.

According to the Minister of Defense, we should also focus on fulfillment of NATO commitments, by updating the Development Plan of the Armed Forces, with a clear investment calendar that accompanies the gradual increase of the Defense budget up to 3.5% of the GDP.

Vengu also stated that, “There is work underway with all commands and military production companies to build an Armed Force capable and prepared for the future challenges”. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

Duka focused on the difficulties he encountered and commented on the great changes that football has had in our country.

Duka also reiterated his call for application of the sponsorship law. He said that there should be a sponsorship law to help sports in general in Albania and not just football.

“In my beginnings, in our country, there was only one activity in the first division and one in the second division while today we organize not only national championships of all levels, but we also organize regional championships for children, for amateurs, veterans, of women, things that did not exist at that time and that have developed a lot. To put it in numbers, we organize about 600 matches a week. Even in the international representation of Albanian football, about which we are present at all levels or in the World qualifiers for both men and women. So, there is a big difference in regard to the number of football players who are active and the activities, but also in the representation and the results”, said Duka.

Duka also spoke about the challenges as UEFA vice president.

“This is thanks to the development of football in Albania, the results, the change of the infrastructure or the institution itself. I believe that the representation of Albanian football at the European level comes from this. Not only with me as a member of the Executive Committee and vice-president of UEFA, but with other as well. When I started as Head of Albanian Football Association, our country had only one match delegate, while today it counts over 15 members of different committees because this is how UEFA is organized, with committees for each field. All committees have representatives from Albanian football. If there is no development in your own country, it is difficult to be asked to contribute to European football. It is an appreciation for football, for the Association, the representation at the European level, not only as UEFA vice-president, but with a good part of Albanian administrators, specialists and referees”, said Duka. /p.s./