For the first time since assuming his role as the Minister of Defense of Albania, Pirro Vengu visited Kosovo, where he was initially received by Prime Minister Albin Kurti and later by his counterpart, Ejup Maqedonci.
Following their meeting, the two Albanian ministers stated that they agreed to enhance cooperation in the global fight against ongoing threats that undermine security, thereby also increasing military capabilities. Minister Pirro Vengu noted that, at NATO’s request, Albania has sent additional troops to Kosovo and emphasized that they are prepared to send more troops if necessary.
This marked the first time he set foot in the neighboring country.
In the early morning hours, Albania’s Defense Minister, Pirro Vengu, made his first visit to Kosovo since taking office.
The head of the Albanian Ministry of Defense began his meetings with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and then continued with his counterpart, Ejup Maqedonci.
He was welcomed with a state ceremony and one-on-one meetings.
After the meetings, at a press conference, Minister Maqedonci said that they discussed increasing military capacities and a series of agreements between the two countries, also aiming for NATO membership.
“During our discussions, we assessed that there is potential for deepening cooperation, especially in the field of training, operational capabilities, and also expanding this cooperation in the military industry, which is a new element emerging as a need and is being developed in the Republic of Albania, but has also been initiated in our Republic. Here from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo, I want to make it clear to all those actors and forces who have doubts that we, with the Republic of Albania, with the Albanian army, are and have been continuously cooperating to face any challenge, any risk, and threat that aims to undermine our common heritage, values, and security,” Maqedonci said.
Albania’s Defense Minister, Pirro Vengu, said they agreed that together with the KSF (Kosovo Security Force) troops, they will be ready for demining mountainous areas as well as other military aspects.
“We have agreed on a series of priorities that involve enhancing capabilities, investing in human capital, and providing you with all the instruments of the Armed Forces, from the academy to all instruments and institutes, to ensure that the KSF has the full spectrum of security in focus for training your forces or personnel,” Vengu stated.
Vengu was also asked about the increase in Albanian military troops in Kosovo, to which he said there would be no hesitation.
“We have indeed increased troops as a result of the latest readiness increase within the alliance framework. It is a joint command, and within this framework, there is a periodic review of the security situation, and depending on the joint assessment made by the alliance, without a doubt, Albania will join if necessary. At the moment, the assessment of the situation is what has ensured additional forces. We are ready, and there is no reservation on this matter,” Vengu said.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Vengu left a commemorative comment in the Book of the Ministry of Defense of Kosovo.
