The Minister of Defense, Olta Xhacka received today in a special meetings the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces for Europe, General Curtis M. Scaparrotti and the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Petr Pavel.
At the meeting with the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces of Europe, General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Minister Xhacka told the senior military about her priorities at the helm of the Ministry of Defense, mainly the modernization and the exercises.
Also Mrs. Xhacka expressed to General Scaparrotti the unwavering stance of our country in support of missions and operations within NATO, highlighting Albania's willingness to be part of these challenges.In this context, Minister Xhacko informed the senior military officer about the will of Albanian Government to increase the number of Albanian soldiers in the Resolute Support mission in response to the demand of the new strategy of US President Donald Trump for Afghanistan.
On his part, after congratulating Minister Xhacka about her new duty, while General Scaparrotti praised Albania's contribution to NATO missions, especially those in Afghanistan and Kosovo, and welcomed the will of the Albanian government to increase its contribution to the Resolute Support mission.
Minister Xhacka also expressed the willingness to increase with a platoon the contribution to Afghanistan to the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Petr Pavel, who also welcomed this readiness.
Regional co-operation was another issue discussed at this meeting, for which tehn Ministe reiterated Albania's stance towards NATO's open door policy.
General Pavel expressed gratitude for Albania's contribution to NATO missions, operations and activities, respectively the missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo, but also for the fight against terrorism.
Also, the General Panel assessed Albania's role in building stability in the region and fostering co-operation throughout the Western Balkans.
NATO Headquarters Staff Chiefs will discuss the security situation in the Western Balkans region and will make recommendations for the continuation of the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan and KFOR in Kosovo.
They will also elect the next chairman of the NATO Military Committee, who will take the office in the Summer of 2018./Oculus News