The Albanian Policy Center stands today as witnesses to an important moment in our nation’s defense and security landscape. The inauguration of the new NATO base in Kuçovë, underscores the profound importance of our country’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, particularly in these turbulent times marked by geopolitical uncertainties and escalating conflicts.
Establishing this NATO base in Albania, a process started almost 13 years ago, not only solidifies Albania’s commitment to collective defense but also reaffirms our unwavering dedication to upholding security and stability. In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and other pressing geopolitical challenges, the significance of Albania joining NATO 15 years ago is a great achievement for our country and for the Balkans, too.
Amidst evolving threats and emerging dangers, NATO remains a cornerstone of our national security strategy, providing a vital framework for cooperation, deterrence, and collective action. By hosting this new base, Albania reinforces the broader alliance’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.
Furthermore, the inauguration of this base serves as a testament to Albania’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a NATO member state. It reflects our nation’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to NATO’s missions and operations, strengthening the alliance’s overall cohesion and resilience. For this reason, Albania should abide by the decisions of the Alliance in contributing 2% of its GDP to security.
As we mark this historic occasion, we commend the efforts of all those involved in making our country a NATO member more than a decade ago and those engaged in establishing the new base.
The Albanian Policy Center reaffirms its commitment to promoting a robust and forward-looking NATO agenda, that prioritises security, stability, and solidarity in an increasingly unpredictable world. We express our gratitude to our NATO allies for their continued support and solidarity. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing Albania’s interests within the alliance and working collaboratively with our NATO partners to address the complex challenges of the 21st century and to be in the forefront of the security of our region and beyond.
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