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"Defender Europe 2023"/ Peleshi: Reconfirms the close cooperation with the USA

2023-05-22 12:30:00, Aktualitet CNA

"Defender Europe 2023"/ Peleshi: Reconfirms the close cooperation with

Today in Albania, the joint multinational exercise led by the US European Command, "Defender Europe 2023", took place. In the opening ceremony, which took place in the "Mother Teresa" square in the presence of the citizens, the Minister of Defense, Niko Peleshi, described "Defender Europe 23", an exercise of extraordinary proportions, where the Armed Forces of Albania feel proud that we participate after the complete success achieved two years ago, in "Defender Europe 21".

"Defender Europe 23" reaffirms the close cooperation that Albania has with the United States of America, in the wake of a strong strategic partnership in the field of security and defense, for which we are deeply grateful. The Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania are an important part of this exercise and, not without pride, I affirm that they are represented in a dignified manner, showing a high level of professionalism. If two years ago we were successfully tested for our capacities in the role of NATO Host Nation Support, today we are equally successfully facing other tasks, including those of leading and coordinating Task Force South", he emphasized during his speech . minister Peleshi.

"Our aim is to show that we are able to cope with any situation that may arise in the field of security and defense, fulfilling every task and commitment that belongs to us as a NATO country. But, of course, another major goal is to assure our citizens that the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania are ready at any time to fulfill their basic task: that of protecting the borders of the homeland!", said the Minister of Defense .

In his welcoming speech, President Bajram Begaj, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said: "Albania is committed to its mission as a stabilizing factor in the Balkans and an exporter of security in the region and beyond." "Every more investment towards strengthening defense capacities is an investment towards stability; it is an investment to guarantee a more peaceful future for the younger generations, who will never have to face the devastating consequences that conflicts bring. The time to take our responsibilities is now and the response must respond to the current challenges", said the President.

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that today Albania is higher than ever in terms of international respect, calling it a privilege that the country is hosting the "Defender Europe 2023" exercise for the second time. "Albania has never been higher in the level of international respect. Today, he is sitting in the SC of the United Nations as a co-sponsor for the issue of Ukraine. This is an extraordinary responsibility, which shows what maturity and development our country has achieved", said Prime Minister Rama.

"This exercise reminds us that regardless of the language we speak, regardless of the flag, we are inextricably linked to those values ??and principles, which are equally threatened for each of us. All together we are bound by history and our future to function in complete unity. Last year came the good news about the establishment of the base headquarters of the operational forces, it proves that Albania remains a strong and reliable ally of the USA and NATO, but Albania is gradually becoming a stationary point of reference on the continent ours", emphasized Prime Minister Rama.

In her message, the US ambassador, Yuri Kim, said that this exercise shows that the US together with allied countries can carry out any mission.

"We are here as allies, friends and partners, Americans and Albanians standing side by side, once separated, now NATO allies and closest military partners. In the two years since 'Defender 2021', the world has changed, Albania and our NATO allies are more united and stronger than ever", emphasized Ambassador Kim.

For his part, the Chief of General Staff of the FA, Brigadier General Arben Kingji, said that this exercise demonstrates the commitment of the US and NATO in guaranteeing peace, stability and security. " This training enables us to strengthen our capacities. It is a message to our potential opponents that we are prepared and united to face common challenges" , said Brigadier General, Arben Kingji.

The "Defender Europe 2023" military exercise will bring together about 25,000 troops from 29 countries, members of NATO, but also from partner countries. As part of this comprehensive training commitment, on May 15 - June 9, 2023, our country will host and conduct the "Immediate Response" and "Astral Knight" exercises.