On April 1, 2009, Albania marked an important moment in its history: it became a full-fledged member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The realization of this objective of the Albanian foreign policy was not only a strategic achievement, but a historical step forward that brought our country closer to the alliance of countries that stand on the basis of democratic values, serving national interests and contributing to regional and international security.
In the last 15 years, Albania has not just been a member of NATO, but an active partner that has contributed to various missions and operations undertaken by the alliance.
The conference “Albania 15 Years in NATO – Security Threats in the Balkans”, organized by The Albanian Policy Center, the Atlantic Council of Albania and the Southeast Europe Security Center, brought together a wide spectrum of experts to analyze the current security threats in Balkans.
The Balkans is a delicate region, where Russian, Chinese, European, British and American influences mix and challenge each other. Facing new challenges and threats, the region is experiencing a transformation in its security architecture.
The first panel, moderated by Mrs. Edith Harxhi (Diplomat & Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, 2005-2013, included Mr. Besnik Mustafaj (Diplomat & Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2005-2007), Mr. Anton Çuni (MP of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo and former Foreign Minister of Kosovo), Mr. Paskal Milo (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, 1997-2001), Mr. Pëllumb Qazimi (Diplomat & Former Ambassador), Mr. Fatmir Mediu (MP of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania & Chairman of the Republican Party of Albania), Mr. Denis Deliu (MP of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania) and examined the history of Albania’s membership in NATO, emphasizing the contributions and impact of this event in the security policy of our country.
The second panel, under the moderation of Mr. Fatmir Mediu (MP of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania & Chairman of the Republican Party of Albania), featured Mrs. Arta Dade (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, 2001-2002), Enver Hoxhaj (Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, 2016-2017 & Vice-President of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo), Mr. Luan Rama ( Diplomat & Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Albania, 2002-2003), Mr. Genc Nimanbegu (Vice President of the Assembly of Montenegro, 2016-2020), Mr. Arjan Starova (Deputy Minister of Defense, 2009-2013 & President of the Atlantic Council of Albania), Mr. Shpend Gashi (Professor of Political Science at the University of Tirana) and Mr. Endrit Reka (Alumnus of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies) and focused on identifying the main security threats in the Balkans and how NATO can efficiently address these challenges.
International friends of Albania, former and current officials of NATO and member countries honored us with their greetings:
This event was an opportunity to reflect on Albania’s progress in international integration and to discuss the way forward in the fight against security threats in the region.
Along with the contributions of many prominent international personalities and professionals, diplomats, MPs and local ministers, the APC and its partners tried to present a clear vision for the future of security in the Balkans and Albania’s role in this context.
The conference was honored to have the presence of foreign and domestic diplomats, Members of Parliament, former ministers and deputy ministers, and politicians from various political forces, civil society activists, well-known journalists and people with considerable contributions in Albanian society.
The Albanian Policy Center thanks everyone who joined us in this important conference, the only one of its kind organized in this anniversary.
