Begaj's message at the Defender Europe 2023 ceremony/ "It's time to respond to the challenges"

2023-05-22 10:54:00, Aktualitet CNA

Begaj's message at the Defender Europe 2023 ceremony/ "It's time

President Bajram Begaj has become part of the important military event of Defender Europe 2023.

Begaj stated that despite the challenges, Albania confirms its support and readiness to intensify cooperation in the field of defense and security.

The President said that Albania is committed to its mission as a stabilizing factor in the Balkans and an exporter of security in the region and beyond.

Begaj added that any investment towards strengthening defense capacities is an investment towards stability; to guarantee a more peaceful future for the younger generations, who never have to face the devastating consequences of conflicts.

The President conveyed the message that "The time to take our responsibilities is now and the response must respond to the current challenges".

" Two years ago, when we started work on the Defender Europe 2021 exercise, we knew that the challenge was too great for our country's capacities.

And yet we managed to show that we know how to responsibly rise to the task and that our little Albania, in fact, punches above its weight.

Dear General Wickmann,

I am very glad that we are meeting again in Albania, to confirm once again our unwavering support and the readiness of our country to always intensify cooperation in the field of defense and security.

Defender Europe was born as an exercise to increase the defense capabilities of the Alliance in case of conflict or threat.

With the unjust Russian aggression in Ukraine, today's geopolitical reality is completely different from that of two years ago, and the security situation has become much more complex.

These changes have significant effects even in our fragile Western Balkan region, where malicious actors who do not share the same values ??with us, try to expand their influence.

Therefore, the importance of this training is today more tangible than ever and its continuity more than necessary.

Albania is committed to its mission as a stabilizing factor in the Balkans and an exporter of security in the region and beyond.

Undoubtedly, the credit for this goes to each of the men and women in uniform who serve in our Armed Forces and honor and raise the flag of Albania every day.

You are an important pillar of our society and our gratitude for your commitment and professionalism cannot be expressed enough.

I am proud to have been one of you; and in my position as Commander-in-Chief, I encourage the government to increase even more support for the Armed Forces and Albania's contribution to NATO.

Every more investment towards the strengthening of defense capacities is an investment towards stability; it is an investment to guarantee a more peaceful future for the younger generations, who 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.

Thank you all for your dedication.

When we meet again in two years for Defender Europe 2025, I only wish that the global security situation will be calmer, because I have no doubt that Albania will always continue to protect the values ??of peace and unity, always standing side by side - alongside the United States and other NATO allies.

May God bless Albania and our friends!", said Begaj./ CNA.al