Kosovo, military exercise "Defender Europe 23"

2023-05-21 17:58:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The opening ceremony of the joint multinational military exercise "Defender Europe 23" led by the European Command of the United States Army took place on Sunday in Pristina.

For the second time, Kosovo will be the host of the exercise, which is considered the largest international in the Balkan region and which aims to develop the readiness and interoperability between the United States and NATO's partners and allies.

The American ambassador in Pristina, Jeff Hovenier, said on Sunday that "Defender Europe 23" is an especially important exercise now that there is unjustified Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The American ambassador highly appreciated the cooperation of the Kosovo Security Force, which he said has marked substantive progress in recent years. He emphasized the commitment of the United States to help the KSF on its way to, as he said, a professional, multi-ethnic and interoperable force with NATO.

"One of the goals of this exercise is to prove that the US military is ready, able to quickly land troops and combat equipment, to secure our allies, to prevent those who might threaten the peace, as well as to protect the continent of Europe from aggression", said Ambassador Hovenier.

The leaders of Kosovo said that this exercise is a symbol of the country's determination to maintain peace in the world and of its unwavering commitment to be part of the common defense system of democratic countries.

"Our way forward is unstoppable, and we are strongly determined to consolidate and strengthen the democratic institutions of the state of law and the rule of law as a vital factor in strengthening the security and defense system in our country. In a very sensitive security environment where challenges and threats are becoming more and more complex, the importance of cooperation with allies in the field of defense, along with all other fields, is necessary and existential", said the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani.

"Over 1,300 soldiers of our forces will execute military training tasks alongside 24,000 soldiers of the armed forces of 25 NATO countries and partner countries of the United States of America. In this exercise, the Kosovo Security Force ranks fourth among the 25 participating armies in terms of the number of personnel engaged", said the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti.

Defense Minister Armend Mehaj said that this exercise has historical importance for the Kosovo Security Force.

"The preparation for the successful implementation of the exercise 'Defender Europe 23' has started for a year and a half, continuous trainings, investments in military purchases, equipment and systems, education and joint exercises inside and outside the country. For us, it is very important to always increase our capacities according to NATO standards because our path is clear, the destination is one and only - membership in NATO", said Mr. Mehaj.

More than one thousand and 300 troops of the Kosovo Security Force participate this year in the exercise, a significantly higher number than in 2021 when Kosovo was the host of the exercise for the first time with about 300 engaged participants.

This year, a total of over 25,000 troops from over 20 countries participate in the exercise, while different parts of it will take place in ten countries in Europe. In Kosovo, the training this year will be concentrated in the region of Gjakova./VOA