Close cooperation with the USA and NATO

By Sali Berisha
Ten years have passed since the March of 1996, when we together here in Tirana launched the process of the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial. This, was our common answer to the new security challenges that our region faced after the fall of the iron curtain, namely the war, ethnic cleansing and massive exodus of the population caused by policies of nationalistic dictatorships, but also our common answer to the new threats associated with the cold war arsenals, weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism.
Ten years later, our region has changed more than any other. It has emerged from the age of conflicts and hostility to the age of cooperation and regional and Euro-Atlantic integration. Still, even after ten years, unresolved issues and international terrorism make the security of our region fragile.
Facing our common security challenges successfully requires close cooperation between our countries. It requires the coordination of our defense and security priorities, policies, and strategies, the exchange of information, as well as common actions based on regional multinational structures. We remain convinced that only by employing such regional approach and through a permanent and close cooperation with the USA and NATO we are going to overcome today’s global challenges.
During these ten years, the SEDM process remains one of the most successful regional processes. It has strengthened our cooperation and capacities in the field of defense and security through the promotion of good neighborly relations and joint initiatives.
Based on our common Euro-Atlantic values, we are working together to perform our duty in the global fight against terrorism, as this was expressed also with the deployment of the SEEBRIG Headcounters in Afghanistan.
On the other hand, the experiences gained through the SEDM various forums have offered us a great deal of help in reshaping and modernizing our defense sector as well as in the process of integration into NATO. This is why Albania advocates strongly for the intensification of our cooperation within the framework of SEDM.
Albania has left behind the transitional period and entered a new phase in her relations with the Euro Atlantic Community and the countries of the region. Due to the success of the reforms undertaken by the government as regards the consolidation of the rule of law, democracy and market economy, the fight with zero tolerance against organized crime and other major reforms, Albania signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union.
The achievements in the framework of Membership Action Plan as regards political and economic reforms as well the modernization and building of a professional defense sector is turning Albania’s NATO membership into a tangible reality. We remain committed to make all efforts, undertake all reforms and pay every price in order to deserve the invitation to join NATO at the first enlargement Summit. We see NATO membership as the most secure future for Albania and her citizens.
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The speech of Albanian PM Sali Berisha at SEED ministerial Meeting