Summit in Lithuania begins Tuesday, Rama: Albania reiterates need for stability in Western Balkans

Prime Minister Edi Rama through a post on social networks has confirmed once again that Albania will reaffirm at the NATO Summit in Vilnus, Lithuania, the need for stability in the Western Balkans.

Rama writes that Albania will present its will to engage further and if necessary, will engage additional forces.

Summit NATO for 2023 will be held on 11 July and 12 July in Lithuania's capital.

“We look forward to NATO's crucial summit in Vilnius. In Vilnius, we will reconfirm Albania's steadfast commitment to NATO, the security of our allies on the east side, the fair fight of the Ukrainian people, and the very need for stability and focus in the Western Balkans.

In the last decade, Albania has increased defence spending from 1.35% to 1.76% of our GDP. However, at times like this, more is needed. So I've assigned the Ministry of Defense to reach the target of 2% by 2024. Although we are not among the wealthy NATO members, we believe the 2% target is the floor rather than the ceiling of our engagement. In Vilnius, Albania will present its will to engage further. We will also announce that, if necessary, Albania is ready to engage additional troops to strengthen NATO's presence.

Together we are stronger and only together can we at this very determining moment for what we believe; for the sake of generations to come, Rama wrote.