Romanian Minister of Defense meets Albanian counterpart in Bucharest

Romanian Defense Minister Mihai Fifor has met, on Wednesday, 31 October, his Albanian counterpart, Olga XHAÇKA, on official visit in Romania.

Agenda included topics related to the security situation in the Western Balkans region and Romanian-Albanian defense cooperation at bilateral level and within NATO, focusing on coordinating efforts of the two countries to counter security threats towards the North-Atlantic Alliance and to strengthen deterrence and defense. In this respect, the two ministers expressed interest in deepening defense relations, by intensifying high-level political-military dialogue and contacts at the level of their armed forces, Romanian Ministry of Defense (MApN) stated in a press release.

Regarding the security situation in the Western Balkans, complexities of the threats and importance of continuing stabilization efforts have been highlighted. In this context, Minister Mihai Fifor stressed the importance of the European path of states in the region. Also, Romanian Minister of Defense appreciated the contribution and involvement of Albania in the Southeast European Defense Ministers (SEDM) process.

"In the context of Romania's approaching Presidency of the EU Council, starting with January 2019, I have pointed out that the stability of the Western Balkans is one of the priorities in the defense field. In this respect, I suggested the Albanian partner intensification of cooperation between the two states, given our common interests in ensuring a climate of security and stability in a region challenged by complex, volatile threats and conflicting situations that may worsen at any moment. There is potential for cooperation between Romania and Albania, I have agreed with my counterpart in Tirana to start discussions at expert level in the near future so that all projects discussed during this official visit to Bucharest to materialize for the benefit of our armed forces", Mihai Fifor added.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei