Albania, Croatia agree to strengthen defence, deny Serbia's claims

Albania's Defence Minister Ermal Nufii has held a meeting with his Croatian counterpart, Ivan Anusic, in Zagreb on Wednesday, during which they confirmed their states' readiness for joint development of military capacities and industry.

In this context, according to the announcement, the trilateral declaration between Albania, Kosovo and Croatia aims to promote not only strategic co-ordination, but also economic development, with particular emphasis on the defence industry.

We discussed topics of common interest related to peace, security and stability in Southeast Europe, as well as concrete opportunities to deepen defence co-operation. The tripartite declaration is aimed at boosting economic co-operation and developing the defence industry.”, Minister Nufi has said.

And, Anuspi, has said that Croatia and Albania share common interest in peace, security and stability in Southeast Europe.

The time has passed when someone told Croatia, now a sovereign state and a NATO and EU member, what to do and how to run its policy. That time will never come back! ”, Annusic said, directly referring to Vuciki's claims.

Their meeting comes the same day the Serbian president warned that Belgrade would buy new weapons, as he is allegedly facing pressure from neighbouring states.

Last year, Kosovo and Albania and Croatia have signed agreements on deepening co-operation in the field of defence and security through a joint statement.

All three countries have repeatedly said that the trilateral declaration between them is not directed against anyone/Periscope