National Guard program helped countries to NATO membership

WASHINGTON, April 15 – A National Guard program has contributed to the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which grew by two more countries, April 1.
Albania and Croatia, NATO’s newest members, have been members of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program for more than a decade.
Along with other initiatives such as NATO’s own Partnership for Peace program, the National Guard’s SPP helped the countries prepare for NATO membership, its officials said.
Albania is partnered with the New Jersey National Guard. During a December visit to the state, Albanian Minister of Defense Gazmend Oketa said New Jersey provided critical assistance to help it reach its longstanding goal of NATO membership.
“The Albanian armed forces are proud of our achievements and we are proud to say we were not alone,” Oketa told the Newark Star-Ledger. “The Albanian armed forces welcomed your help – and your friendship.”
Army Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, adjutant general of the state, said Soldiers and Airmen from New Jersey had watched the Albanian defense forces blossom in the 15 years of their SPP partnership.
“The quality of the Albanian soldier is top tier,” Reith said.