Anušić: Croatia, Albania and Kosovo together for security in Southeast Europe

The Ministers of Defense of Croatia, Albania and Kosovo signed a Declaration in light of new geopolitical circumstances and interest in preserving peace and stability in Southeast Europe, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić is on an official two-day visit to the Republic of Albania. He held meetings with the President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj, Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, and Monsignor Arjan Dodaj, Archbishop of the Metropolis of Tirana, Durres and Albania. Minister Anušić also met with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo Ejup Maqedonci.

In the context of the newly emerging geopolitical circumstances and the increased security risk in Southeast Europe, the defense ministers of three countries - Croatia, Albania and Kosovo - signed a Declaration in Tirana today that strengthens trilateral cooperation and strengthens the alliance of these countries, considering that they are extremely interested in stability and security in that part of Europe, especially in Kosovo.

The possibility is open for other member states to accede to the Declaration. The declaration highlights the importance of joint responses to security challenges, hybrid threats and other risks that could threaten regional stability. The declaration includes the promotion of defense capabilities and the cooperation of defense industries, the strengthening of interoperability through education, training and exercises, the suppression of hybrid threats and full support for Euro-Atlantic integration.

Minister Anušić said after signing the Declaration that the new geopolitical situation requires the creation of new and strengthening of existing alliances and that Croatia, Albania and Kosovo have a strong common interest aimed at preserving stability in this part of Europe.

“We are aware of the risks in Southeast Europe, especially in the context of Ukraine, and we have decided to strengthen our cooperation based on the experiences we have gained over the past 35 years of independence, but also as a member of NATO and the European Union,” he said.

“With the aim of further building defense cooperation, we want to share our knowledge and experience with partners and strengthen the cooperation of the military industries of our countries. Our relations with Kosovo and Albania are long and friendly, and the cooperation we are developing is based on alliance and common interests. In addition, there are other partners from NATO and the EU who are interested in joining this initiative. The goal is to strengthen the political and defense cooperation of our countries and support Kosovo and Albania on their Euro-Atlantic path,” said Minister Anušić. He thanked everyone who participated in organizing the meeting and emphasized that he hopes for the expansion of the signatories of the Declaration and the coalition.

The Ministers of Defense of Albania and Kosovo confirmed their readiness and interest in preserving stability in Southeast Europe, especially when it comes to Kosovo, the Ministry of Defense statement added.

Source: HRT