Albanian top diplomat meets with Rutten: KFOR presence in Kosovo plays necessary stabilisation role

Hoxha and Rutte at this meeting discussed issues on the current geopolitical situation and the role of the NATO Alliance.

Through a post on the X platform, Hoxha indicated that this was his first meeting with Rutte in the prime minister's quality, stressing Albania's growing engagement under NATO.

Speaking of Western Balkans both confirmed that commitment NATO remains essential for stability and security in the region.

Hoxha further stressed the importance of KFOR's presence in Kosovo, naming it necessary for stability.

Full Posting:

Today, I had my first meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in my quality as Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, at a time when Albania continues to take on more commitment and responsibility within the Alliance.

We thought that in today's more complex and unpredictable environment NATO is more important and more necessary than ever. Strengthening collective defence, increasing defence spending, steadfast support for Ukraine, as well as expanding industrial defence capacities, remains a priority for prevention, sustainability and transatlantic security.

Albania has repeatedly witnessed itself as a trustworthy, committed and active #Aleat. Our contribution to collective security continues to grow through increased defence investments, modernisation of our Armed Forces and active participation in Alliance missions and operations. Based on this trajectory, Albania remains fully committed to further strengthen its defence capabilities and ensure that our commitments translate into concrete operational readiness that will boost national and collective security.

We also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong and unified strategic focus for Ukraine. Albania stands fully at the side of the Allies to provide sustainable support through NATO mechanisms, including training, assistance and long-term capacity building, as part of our broader engagement in defence of international rule-based order.

Regarding the Western Balkans, we reaffirmed that continued commitment NATO remains essential to maintaining stability and long-term security in the region. Albania will continue to invest in stronger regional co-operation, closer co-ordination between Allies and the effectiveness of NATO's presence in Kosovo, with # KFOR playing a necessary stabilisation role.

Looking forward, we also talked about Albania's preparations to host the upcoming NATO Summit in #Tirana, the first to take place in the Western Balkans. This commitment represents a historic responsibility, as well as a reliable increase in Albania's role within the Alliance, and confirms the strategic importance of our region.

We also stopped in Albania's full commitment, in close co-ordination with NATO headquarters, to offer a successful Sam in Tirana.