Albania’s Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, has stated that Kosovo’s security forces are increasingly prepared to assume greater responsibilities in regional security, highlighting growing military cooperation between Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia during remarks delivered at the Munich Security Conference.
Speaking to Euronews Albania, Vengu emphasized that the trilateral defense cooperation reflects a broader strategic effort to strengthen stability and interoperability among allied countries in Southeast Europe.
Strategic Security Corridor Gains NATO Recognition
Vengu revealed that the alliance has approved the inclusion of Corridor VIII as a key security and logistics route for regional operations. The corridor is considered a crucial infrastructure project linking the Adriatic and Black Sea regions, enhancing military mobility and strategic connectivity.
He further underlined that the European Union has been consistently investing alongside the Albanian government in infrastructure projects, reinforcing regional integration and defense readiness.
Calls for Greater Recognition of Kosovo Security Progress
Addressing relations between Kosovo and the United States, Vengu confirmed that Albania has repeatedly urged both NATO and Washington to maintain strong focus on Kosovo and the mission of KFOR.
He noted that Albania has also requested increased recognition of the progress made by the Kosovo Security Force, stressing that the force is already contributing to regional safety and has the capacity to assume additional security duties.
Kosovo’s NATO Membership Remains a Strategic Priority
According to Vengu, Albania and Croatia continue to strongly support Kosovo’s future membership in the NATO, though he acknowledged that certain conditions must still be met.
He highlighted that a stable and clearly defined relationship between KFOR and the Kosovo Security Force remains a key requirement for advancing membership discussions. At the same time, Albania continues to cooperate directly with Kosovo’s defense institutions beyond diplomatic support.
Regional Infrastructure Investments Strengthen Defense Cooperation
Vengu also confirmed that major infrastructure investments are underway, including railway projects connecting Albania with North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Black Sea ports. These projects are expected to significantly enhance both economic integration and defense logistics across the region.
The minister concluded that regional military cooperation and infrastructure modernization are essential pillars for long-term peace, stability, and collective security in Southeast Europe.
