2 minutes agoAlbania's Defence Minister in Brussels: Albania is guarding Afghans at Ferizaj
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)Defence of NATO countries and the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq were the main topics of the first day of the Alliance countries' defence ministers to be held in Brussels, attended by Defence Minister Niko Pelesi. The ministers discussed strengthening and modernising the Forces Structura [...]
The ministers discussed strengthening and modernising the NATO Forces Structura, aimed at preparing decisions NATO leaders will take at the Madrid Summit on 29-30 June 2022.
Minister Peleshi underlined the importance of political control over the entire process of offering prevention to the dangers and protection of the Euro-Atlantic area, and in particular, increasing the Alliance's awareness of South Strategic Guidance, with focus on the Western Balkans.
Furthermore, Pelesh reiterated our country's commitment to implementing commitments made at the 2014 Wales Summit, consisting of reaching level 2 % of the defence budget and 20 %s of this investment budget by 2024.
As for Afghanistan, the ministers discussed how the Alliance's achievements in this country can be exploited, as well as steps to be followed so that the country will not again become a safe haven for terrorist groups.
In his speech, Pelesi praised our country's contribution to this NATO mission in Afghanistan, stressing that even though the small country, Albania has made large contributions there, which has been consistently praised by the Alliance's political-military leadership.
Minister Peleshi also cited the current contribution Albania is making to assist Afghan refugees.
Our country has currently accepted about 2,000 Afghan citizens, and the oath of the Albanian government is to welcome about 4,000. Furthermore, just a few weeks ago, our Armed Forces launched a military police company that would give their contribution to the conservation and safety of the camp “Bechtel” in the vicinity of Ferizaj, where Afghan refugees sheltered in Kosovo” were accommodated.
At the conclusion of the first day of this meeting, the ministers signed “Purpose Letter”, through which member states pledge to co-operate on developing the management of chemical, biological and radiological agents, as well as the identification of capabilities, but also on the security of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear equipment. /Atsh/
