Balla from NATO base in Latvia: Albania committed to implementing Alliance decisions

2025-06-09 14:36:00, Aktualitet CNA

Balla from NATO base in Latvia: Albania committed to implementing Alliance

Minister of State, Taulant Balla, paid an official visit to the NATO military base in ?da?i, Latvia, where troops from the Albanian Armed Forces are also deployed.

Balla participated in the ceremony honoring two martyrs of the homeland, Major Klodian Tanushi and Corporal Zarife Hasanaj, who fell in the line of duty on an international mission on May 6, 2019.

"Their sacrifice is a symbol of the courage and devotion of the Albanian military, who serve with honor at home and abroad. They will always be remembered for their sacrifice. Once again, respect and gratitude to each of you and your families, who feel more than anyone else the difficulty and sacrifice of military duty," Balla told the members of the Albanian mission.

During this visit, Balla, in his capacity as Minister of State, who is also NATO's national contact point for Sustainability, expressed pride and deep gratitude for the contribution of Albanian military personnel to this important mission of the Alliance.

"I bring you the embrace from Albania and the gratitude of the Albanian government and the Albanian people for your contribution here. You honor us with your presence in a joint NATO mission, in an allied country like Latvia, with a very important geostrategic position, especially in the new security conditions after the Russian aggression in Ukraine", said Minister Balla during his speech before the Albanian troops in Adazi.

During the visit to the base, the minister met with the Chief of Staff of the "MNBDE LVA" Brigade, the Multinational Brigade in Latvia, Lieutenant Colonel Philippe Tremblay, who expressed to Balla "the highest appreciation for our soldiers and their professional role in this mission."

"Albania remains committed to implementing the Alliance's decisions to adapt the Alliance to the new security reality, including the adoption of detailed plans for strengthening defense, as well as a new commitment to investments in this area," said Balla.

The Adazi military base, one of the key points of NATO's defense in the Baltics, houses the NATO Multinational Forward Presence Brigade (EFP), a structure created in response to security threats from Russia. This brigade includes troops from various NATO member countries such as Canada, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Albania and others.

The Albanian EOD Platoon in Latvia has a specialized role in the disposal of unexploded ordnance, mines, and improvised explosive devices, contributing to the overall safety of troops and the surrounding community.

The deployment of Albanian troops in one of the most critical security areas in Europe emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and loyalty to the Alliance's shared values./ CNA