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President Donald Trump's nominee for United States ambassador to Albania, retired General Eric Wendt, has praised the strategic importance of Porto Romano, considering it a key point for NATO interests and American investments in the region.
During testimony before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Wendt spoke about military cooperation with Albania and the importance that Albanian infrastructure could have for the Atlantic alliance in the future.
" Porto Romano is one of the key ports in Albania. If in the future there will be a secure cargo terminal and an appropriate infrastructure, it could serve as a very important point for NATO. Through the pan-European corridor number 8, military equipment can move freely and this would be very beneficial for both the alliance and American businesses that could be involved in the development of the port and infrastructure ," Wendt stated.
The American general emphasized that Albania has shown commitment within NATO, meeting its military spending target and investing in new defense capacities.
" Albania has met NATO's target of 2% of GDP on defense and is now committed to the new target of 5%. I am convinced that there are many opportunities for cooperation that will strengthen our alliance and help modernize Albania's military and infrastructure capacities ," he said.
Wendt also praised the Albanian forces, recalling his experiences with Albanian soldiers in Afghanistan and in NATO's special structures.
" The Albanians I have known in Afghanistan and while leading NATO special forces have courage and professionalism. They are good soldiers and reliable partners for the alliance ," said the ambassadorial candidate.
He added that, if confirmed in office, he will first conduct a full analysis of the situation on the ground before taking concrete steps in directing the US embassy in Tirana.
" I have learned through my experience that you can't truly understand a country or situation without seeing firsthand what is happening on the ground. I want to listen and understand the situation first before making decisions ," Wendt told US senators.
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