Vengu pointed out that Albania recently signed a military cooperation agreement with Italy—an accord backed by tangible contributions to strengthen the Albanian Navy.

The minister stated: ‘A few weeks ago we signed an agreement with Italy. At that moment, a framework for military cooperation was approved, and the Italian side made several donations for three vessels: two patrol boats and one more significant naval asset, a command vessel.

According to him, two of these vessels have already been delivered to the Naval Force, while the third is expected to arrive at the end of the first half of next year. ‘Our forces are training to operate and maneuver them. These vessels ensure that we become once again a naval force with considerably greater maneuvering capacity and combat means,’ Vengu emphasized.”

The minister highlighted that current measures are preparing the ground for Albania’s strategic Pashaliman project with Italy’s Fincantieri, aiming to establish a shipyard for building naval combat vessels.

Vengu went on saying that the project is included in the Albanian government’s medium‑term budget and that negotiations are currently underway with the Italian side, not only for the maintenance of the existing fleet but also for the construction of new naval combat vessels in Albania.

Speaking about the geostrategic importance of Albania’s maritime space, Vengu emphasized that the Adriatic and Ionian seas should not be regarded solely as tourist destinations.

He stated: ‘The Adriatic and Ionian are not merely a tourist horizon, but an underwater infrastructure of energy interconnection.’ In this context, the minister emphasized that investments in defense should also generate benefits for the domestic economy.”

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