FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Albania has increased attention, and like many other Balkan countries, will reopen three weapons and ammunition production plants.
The government's strategy, revealed by Defense Minister Niko Peleshi, is clear: Tirana will attract new investors that will allow them to launch new products.
"We no longer expect the industry to be developed by the state, but by attracting investors from NATO", said the official in the Parliament of Albania on April 17.
With the move, the Albanian government joins a growing number of European countries stepping up efforts to increase ammunition production following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Peleshi explained that the Ministry of Defense has already started work on the project of reopening the three factories, in cooperation with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
STRATEGY
Tirana stopped the production of weapons and ammunition in factories after the fall of the communist regime. The production premises were built in the 1960s and are located in Poliçan, Elbasan and Gramsh. The last two factories were converted into demilitarization plants, while the Poliçani plant was completely closed. Albania joined NATO together with Croatia in April 2009.
The air base for NATO aircraft reopens
In recent weeks, Albania has also reopened a Soviet-era air base by renovating it: it will now host NATO aircraft. It is located in Kuçovo, south of Tirana, and the inauguration was attended by Italian Eurofighter and American F-16 and F-35.
"This is a base that will add another element of security to our Western Balkan region, which, as we all know, is endangered by the threat and neo-imperialist ambitions of the Russian Federation", said Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama during the ceremony opening.
Work to reopen the base began shortly before Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has since become increasingly urgent as Moscow "stirs up anti-Western sentiment in the Balkans".
The renovation cost 50 million euros and will allow NATO to support logistics missions, air operations and training of the Alliance.
"The restoration of the Kuçova airbase is a strategic investment and shows that NATO continues to strengthen its presence in the Western Balkans, an area of strategic importance for the alliance," said acting NATO spokesman Dylan White. /Il Messaggero
Lini një Përgjigje