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President Bajram Begaj said that the NATO base opened in Kuçovo is a message for peace and proves NATO's determination to guarantee the security of allied countries.
In his speech, Begaj said that the choice of Albania as NATO's base shows that our country has a strategic role to strengthen the alliance.
"The revitalization of the Kuçova airbase marks a new chapter in the history of the defense and security of our country and our entire region. This base is the result of cooperation, solidarity, coordination and coordination between allies and the attention that Albania pays to security and defense. From this base, we together send a strong message of peace and prove that NATO is determined to protect the freedom and security of allies, guaranteeing collective defense. I express gratitude to all our allies in NATO, especially our strategic partner , the USA, for the invaluable support they have given to Albania in the Euro-Atlantic journey.
Obligations derived from NATO membership and from the EU membership process are naturally Albania's strategic interests. The NATO Tactical Air Base, established in Kučovo, where history meets modernity, symbolizes a bridge where the past and the present come together to ensure a secure future. This development is not only a military achievement, it is a clear symbol of our commitment to defend the country, and the democratic principles and values that we, as NATO allies, share together. Albania and Kuçova were not chosen by chance. This proves the appreciation and trust that the allies have in Albania, as a worthy and dedicated partner.
NATO, through this investment, shows that Albania has a strategic importance for the alliance. It is an investment to strengthen the capacities, plans, resources and infrastructure of the alliance. For Albania and our Armed Forces, a strategic investment in the field of security and defense, much needed and welcomed over the years. This investment takes on a special importance, especially in the conditions when security in the Euro-Atlantic area is at risk.
Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and other regions, terrorism, as well as other threats pose challenges to the interests and values represented by the Euro-Atlantic community. Political-military confrontations risk escalating and spreading. This was best seen last September in the terrorist attack in Banjska, Kosovo. That attack showed how fragile security is in our region and proved that there are still local actors who try to project the future through a past that should not return.
In this unstable global security situation, we must always be ready to defend ourselves, and to contribute to the Alliance to guarantee peace, security, and stability. Therefore, the Kuçova Base has a protective and deterrent mission, an important center for NATO operations, to face today's and tomorrow's threats. Albania will continue to play its constructive role in the region and beyond. Increasing the defense budget, modernizing our armed forces, increasing defense capabilities and strengthening human capacities are a must.
I support every initiative that the government has undertaken for the social support of the Armed Forces personnel because being part of the Armed Forces is not just a profession, it is national pride, it serves the Motherland and the higher cause of peace and security.
Dear guests, this year NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary and Albania its 15th anniversary of membership. There is no better way for these anniversaries to be celebrated with such important investments. This base, as well as our commitment to NATO, is an investment in the defense of our country, it is an investment in the future of our children and the generations that will come after us, it is proof of our commitment to work together with our allies to build a safer world for everyone," said Begaj.
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