Albania seeks US military presence, cause of Russian danger

Gacka, who met with Defence Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon, said that the country Albania, as a member of NATO, wanted not to be influenced by Russian efforts “debilistic” in the region that include propaganda, investment and <x2-> hybrid operations”.

The “should be sent a very strong message that the Western Balkans is a Western-oriented region and that we all share them and we need to protect the same principles and values by waiting to strengthen our strategic partnership“, she said.

The Western Balkans is a Western-oriented region. We divide and defend similar principles and values so we welcome the strengthening of our strategic partnership. We invite you to kindly view Albania as a country of contact in the region. We will continue to play a constructive role in peace, security, and prosperity in our region. The U.S. can count on us. We believe it is time to see a trace in Albania. A US or NATO presence in Albania is a demonstration that this area is not forgotten by our allies. We are willing to make available our naval bases/our land/air/day capacity. We want to see an increase in American defence industry presence in Albania. You can count on us to be a very reliable ally... Albania can truly be a stronghold of the United States in the region. We believe that time may be ripe for a trace of the United States in Albania“, she added.

Gacka, who also mentioned China, Iran and Turkey as countries whose influence Albania wanted to oppose, said our country has made its bases land, air and sea available to the United States.

She said Albania is presenting some ideas to make available land, air and sea bases, but also other skills, either bilaterally with the US or at NATO's Suisa. Mrs. Gacka suggested that American defence officials see the possibility that Albania serves as a location of contact in the Western Balkans region. According to her, a US or NATO presence could be a clear demonstration that this region is not forgotten by allies.

It specifically proposed Albania's shipyards and bases, a military airport for fuel supply to the air, and the area of training at Elbasan Biza as ideas that can be explored. It expressed its desire for the US to increase the presence of the military industry in Albania. Ms. Gacka said there may be large areas in Albania where the US can invest. She said that at a meeting with the firm Lckheed-Martin in Washington, she had offered the firm more engagement in boosting Albania's air and sea surveillance capabilities.

Also Tuesday, the European Union supported the opening of formal talks with Albania and Macedonia, while the bloc appears to expand in the Balkans and grow for the first time in years.

This is something that the Albanian people have been targeting for many years and I believe this perspective is crucial to moving the country in the right direction“, Gack said. / ©Lapsy.al