Albania in direction of two regional initiatives, Gacka seeks Kosovo involvement

Defence Minister Olta Jacka has stressed at the first meeting of the Political-Uddm Steering Committee that Tirana supports expanding these initiatives with other Western Balkan countries, meaning Kosovo.

“Albania, through the Ministry of Defence, takes over two of the most important regional initiatives, such as the South East European Defence Minister (SEDM) and the US-Adriatic Charter, A-5. In the first meeting of the SEDM Political-Ustored Steering Committee, I stressed what we strongly believe: such initiatives should support the policy of “doors opened” and expansion with other countries of the Western Balkans, thus strengthening the security and stability of the region”, Gack says.

Kosovo has earlier requested membership in these two initiatives, but is hampered by Serbia and other member states, which do not recognise independence. /tch/