Speaking at a news conference after a NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, where allied leaders discussed Euro-Atlantic security, increased defence spending and the challenges facing the alliance, Rutte said the decision had been agreed by member states.

“The next NATO summit will be in Albania. That is the decision taken in The Hague and confirmed here in Ankara. We will now decide on the exact date when it will be held,” he told reporters.

The announcement marks another milestone in Albania’s growing profile within NATO, reflecting its role as a reliable ally in the Western Balkans.

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At the opening of the summit, Rama was welcomed at the official reception by Mark Rutte, Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The summit has brought together leaders of NATO’s 32 member states, along with key partner countries, to discuss strengthening defence capabilities, increasing defence investment, military modernisation and closer coordination on security policy.

Discussions are also focused on Europe’s defence capacity, NATO members’ defence spending targets and continued support for Ukraine.

Rama’s participation underscores Albania’s commitment, as a NATO member, to contributing to the Alliance’s collective security and addressing shared security challenges.

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Rama was accompanied at the meeting by Defence Minister Ermal Nufi and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha.

The government head is attending the NATO summit, where leaders of the Alliance’s member states are discussing current security challenges and strategic priorities.

The Ankara summit brings together leaders of NATO’s 32 member states and key partner countries to discuss Europe’s defence capabilities, the Alliance’s defence spending targets, military modernisation and continued support for Ukraine.

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Hoxha wrote in the x platform that during the talks they shared the opinion that the current strategic environment reinforces that the NATO is not merely important, but fundamental to our collective defense.

“Securing our future requires enhanced collective defense, increased spending, steadfast support for Ukraine, and a rapid expansion of our industrial capacity”, said Hoxha.

According to the Albanian chief diplomat, Albania has consistently confirmed itself as a reliable, committed and active ally.

“Our contribution to collective security continues to grow through increased investment in defense, upgrade of our Armed Forces and active participation in Alliance missions and operations. Based on this trajectory, Albania remains fully committed to further strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring that our commitments render into concrete operational readiness that will enhance national and collective security,” Hoxha emphasized.

Regarding the meeting with the NATO chief, Hoxha underlined that they emphasized the significance of maintaining a strong and unified strategic focus on Ukraine.

“Albania stands fully with the Allies to provide sustained support through NATO mechanisms, including training, assistance and long-term capacity building, as part of our broader commitment to defending the rules-based international order,” Hoxha said.

Regarding the Western Balkans, Hoxha noted that, “We reaffirmed that NATO’s continued commitment remains essential for maintaining long-term stability and security in the region.”

“Albania will continue to invest in stronger regional cooperation, closer coordination among Allies and the effectiveness of NATO’s presence in Kosovo, with KFOR playing an indispensable stabilizing role,” he stated.

Likewise, Hoxha informed that, “We also spoke about Albania’s preparations to host the upcoming NATO summit in Tirana, the first to be held in the Western Balkans.”

“This commitment represents a historic responsibility, as well as a credible increase in Albania’s role within the Alliance and confirms the strategic significance of our region,” emphasized Hoxha, while informing that the meeting also focused on Albania’s full commitment, in close coordination with NATO Headquarters, to deliver a successful summit in Tirana. /p.s./

During the meeting, Rutte highlighted Albania’s continued commitment to NATO and its role in strengthening the Alliance’s security framework. Discussions also covered ongoing support for Ukraine amid recent security developments, as well as the situation in the Western Balkans.

Both sides underlined Albania’s role as a NATO member in promoting regional stability and security, particularly in the Western Balkans.

In a post on the social media, Defence Minister Nufi described the talks as “direct and highly productive,” focusing on current security challenges and Albania’s growing role within the Alliance. He reiterated that Albania remains a committed contributor to collective defence, participating alongside Allies in peacekeeping missions and key international operations.

Nufi added that continued support from NATO partners remains essential to strengthening Albania’s defence capabilities and enhancing operational readiness.

Earlier in the day, Defence Minister also met with military and civilian personnel serving in the country’s NATO mission in Brussels.

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Speaking after talks in Brussels, Rama said that he and the NATO Secretary General Rutte also discussed expanding defense cooperation and aligning Albania with broader European security initiatives.

“We are beginning the rebirth of our military industry. We are eager to continue discussions with you on the necessary steps to make the new military port in Porto Romano a reality,” the government head said in a joint press statement with Rutte.

Rama also emphasized Albania’s interest in participating in the European Union’s “SAFE” program, which aims to strengthen strategic defense capabilities and supply chains beyond the EU’s borders.

“We’re here to explore how countries like ours can be included in the SAFE program, which goes beyond the EU perimeter and can benefit NATO members in Europe,” Rama said.

Rutte praised Albania’s contributions to the Alliance and ongoing commitment to NATO missions and priorities.

Today’s meeting is the third this year between Rama and Rutte. The two met previously in Brussels during the NATO leaders’ summit on June 24, and in Tirana during the European Political Community Summit on May 16.

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“It is a true honor to welcome my close friend, Prime Minister Edi Rama,” Rutte said during a joint press statement at NATO headquarters.

“Albania is a rock-solid ally and is on track to meet the 2% defense spending target – a significant commitment,” he added.

Rutte also noted Albania’s efforts to strengthen its domestic defense industry, including through state-owned enterprises, calling it a vital contribution to NATO’s collective capabilities.

“We need a stronger industrial base across NATO, and Albania is doing its part,” he added.

Highlighting Albania’s support for Ukraine, Rutte cited the country’s contributions to NATO missions and bilateral efforts, including participation in multinational operations in Latvia, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, and its involvement in the Wiesbaden coordination center for military aid to Ukraine.

“You are doing much more than expected for a country of your size. Albania may not be the largest ally, but it’s certainly one of the most committed,” he said.

“NATO can count on Albania, and Albania can always count on NATO.”

Today’s meeting follows Albania’s sixth Intergovernmental Conference with the EU, held Wednesday in Brussels, where four new chapters in Albania’s EU accession talks were opened.

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The meeting is set to take place at NATO headquarters at 09:00 a.m., followed by a joint press conference.

Rama is on a visit to Brussels to attend the sixth EU – Albania intergovernmental conference, during which four additional chapters in Albania’s EU accession negotiations were opened on Tuesday.

This marks Rama’s third meeting with Rutte this year. The two previously met on June 24 in Brussels during the NATO summit, where discussions focused on Albania’s planned new port project in Durres and NATO’s involvement in the new port’s military terminal

Preparations for the 2027 NATO Summit, which Albania is set to host in Tirana, were also on the agenda during that meeting.

Rutte also visited Tirana earlier this year, where he met Rama during the European Political Community Summit held on May 16.

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According to NATO’s official agenda, the meeting will take place at 09:00 a.m.

Rama is in Brussels to attend the sixth EU-Albania Intergovernmental Conference, where four additional chapters of Albania’s EU accession talks were opened earlier on Tuesday.

According to NATO’s latest public opinion survey conducted across its 32 member states, Albanian citizens continue to express overwhelming support for the Alliance. The 2025 data shows that 91% of Albanians would vote to remain in NATO in a hypothetical referendum – well above the NATO -wide average of 68%, with only 15% of respondents across the Alliance favoring withdrawal.

Albania joined NATO on April 1, 2009 – a milestone widely seen as one of the country’s most significant geopolitical achievements.

On March 4, 2024, Albania inaugurated NATO’s first tactical air base in the Western Balkans, located in Kuçova. The transformation of the former military airfield is considered a key strategic investment, alongside other defense infrastructure projects such as the development of Porto Romano port, aimed at bolstering security in the region and beyond.

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PM Rama said after meeting that talk with NATO Chief focused on the Alliance’s engagement with the Durrës port, Western Balkans stability, and Albania’s preparations as host of the 2027 summit.

Rama stated that he and NATO Secretary General discussed commitments from the summit, Western Balkan security, and involvement in the planned military terminal at Albania’s new Durres Port, a major strategic investment.

“We spoke about the summit’s key priorities, developments in the Western Balkans, NATO’s engagement in the Durres port project, and preparations for the 2027 NATO Summit in Tirana,” Rama said.

Rama and Rutte also reviewed regional security dynamics and alliance initiatives. He shared images from the meeting on social media, highlighting their constructive dialogue.

NATO Secretary General has previously outlined the Hague summit’s focus on increased defense spending, strengthening military readiness, bolstering the defense industry, and continued support for Ukraine.

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