Haxhinasto at the Berlin NATO meeting

TIRANA, April 18 – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto last week took part at the NATO Ministerial Meeting in Berlin, Germany. Many other foreign ministers from non-NATO member countries, like Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, South Korea and others took part too.
One of the main issues discussed at the high-level meeting was on the developments in Libya and the response by the international community on this issue. On Libya Tirana urged the full implementation of Resolutions 1970 and 1973 of the UN Security Council and the Decisions of the London Conference on Libya in support of the “Unified Protector” Operation. Albania has made available ports and airports, both for military and humanitarian operations. It will also assist in terms of humanitarian relief aid and assistance for the Libyan people. During the discussion on disarmament, non-proliferation of weapons and military presence, Haxhinasto emphasized that the US military presence in Europe, including the conventional and nuclear aspects, was of special importance for security in the continent and even beyond. Haxhinasto welcomed the decision by President Obama to keep the US military presence in Europe, adding that the cooperation between NATO with those partner countries or organizations was of special significance. Haxhinasto said that as a country aspiring to obtain the EU candidate status Albania appreciated the specific importance of the strategic partnership between NATO and the EU, a unique and essential partner for the Alliance. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the cooperation and partnerships with other countries, laying a special emphasis on the Balkan countries. Haxhinasto hailed the start of the transition process in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of supporting the Rule and Law Mission, and reconfirmed Albania’s commitment to the success of this ISAF operation in Afghanistan. Albania is convinced that raising capacities remains an important element of transition in Afghanistan and to this end, Tirana has pledged to contribute with officers in training the Afghan police and military, that could be increased in the future.