Stoltenberg thanks Albania for its role in KFOR

Welcoming Albania's 10th anniversary in NATO, Stoltenberg praised the country for its contribution to NATO missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan, as well as to Latvia.

“Since membership, Albania has been a committed and highly esteemed ally of NATO. Albania has forces serving in Latvia. And I want to express my condolences to the two Albanian soldiers who lost their lives in the tragic accident at Camp Adage last month. Accept my condolences. Your troops are also helping build greater stability as part of NATO's mission, KFOR, in Kosovo. And help us fight international terrorism by contributing troops to our training mission in Afghanistan”, Stoltenberg said, Koha.net reported.

He said NATO is also committed to Albania's security, stating that the Alliance is investing 51m euros to modernise the air base in Kuchova, including projects in fuel storage and logistics.

This will help us all to be more efficient, flexible, and secure. And this shows how NATO, through its investment programmes, is investing in NATO countries such as Albania”, he stressed.

According to him, Albania, through hard work and commitment, is showing an example in promoting peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

He also cited the European Commission's recommendation for opening Albania's EU membership negotiations, stating that “is important that this progress is continuing”.