Albanian Defence Minister in Zagreb: We appreciate the support Croatia gives Kosovo

The purpose of the visit is to intensify bilateral relations between the two countries, with particular emphasis on the field of security and defence, addressing the current issues of the Western Balkan region and beyond, co-operation within NATO and other regional and international initiatives.

Pelesh said that, “Albania and Croatia are collaborators on one of the most important roads, NATO membership, and since this year the two countries mark the 15th anniversary in NATO, being proud of our position in meeting our obligations for peace and security”.

The minister further expressed his gratitude to Croatia for its important role in the Balkans, for the unconditional support it offers to the countries of the region in all Euro-Atlantic integration processes, stressing here and its contribution to a safe region, without conflict and peace.

Minister Peleshi praised Croatia's continued positive approach to Kosovo, as a supporter of its European perspective, membership in all regional initiatives and international organisations in which Kosovo has the capacity to contribute and play an important role.

Minister Pelesi acknowledged his Croatian counterpart with commitments for 20024, a very intensive year for the Albanian Ministry of Defence, as he welcomed the organisation of several important regional activities in our country, as well as the chairmanship of one of the region's most important initiatives, such as the US Adriatic Charter (A 5).

During this visit, the two defence ministers signed a new Memorandum of Co-operation in the field of security and defence, whose innovation relates to updateing this document with new challenges, inclusion and identifying new areas of co-operation regarding innovation and cyberspace, the defence industry, training and education, and many other areas of common interest to our Armed Forces.

During this visit, Defence Minister Peleshi was hosted at separate meetings by the president of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

Minister Pelesi acknowledged the two Croatian state leaders with the latest political developments in Albania, as well as reforms recently undertaken in the area of security and defence.

Even in conversation with the president and prime minister, Minister Peleshi once again expressed gratitude for the support Croatia has always offered for Albania's integration, but in the role it plays for the security and peace of the Western Balkans. /rtklives/