Albania 15 years in NATO

Fifteen years ago, on this momentous occasion, Albania achieved a historic milestone by joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), marking a significant chapter in its journey towards freedom, security, and integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform of the Albanian Armed Forces, whose unwavering commitment to defending their nation played a pivotal role in this accomplishment.

Albania's trajectory towards NATO membership was marked by perseverance, determination, and the invaluable support of its international allies. In 1992, Albania became the first former communist country to apply for NATO membership, signaling its resolute desire to break free from the shackles of its past and embrace the principles of democracy, freedom, and collective security.

At the Bucharest NATO Summit, then-Prime Minister Berisha encapsulated the significance of Albania's journey, declaring it a "miracle of freedom" and emphasizing that "freedom works." This sentiment echoed the sentiments of a nation that had endured decades of repression and totalitarianism but emerged resilient and determined to chart a new course towards prosperity and stability.

On this momentous day, Albania extends its heartfelt gratitude to its international friends and allies whose unwavering support and solidarity paved the way for its NATO membership. Special thanks are owed to President George W. Bush and his administration, as well as the Pentagon, for their instrumental role in guiding Albania through the accession process. The contributions of Secretary Rumsfeld, Secretary Gates, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, Peter Flory, Dan Fata, General Jim Jones, General David Petraeus, General Clark, and numerous others are deeply appreciated and acknowledged.

The support of friends in the American Congress and intelligence agencies has been invaluable in Albania's journey towards NATO membership, underscoring the bipartisan commitment to promoting security and stability in the Balkans and beyond.

Albania expresses its gratitude to the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Greece, Canada, Romania, and other NATO member states whose trust and confidence in Albania's capabilities bolstered its accession to the Alliance. The leadership of NATO Secretary General Schafer and the unwavering support of countless others within the Alliance have been instrumental in Albania's integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.

The recent conference commemorating Albania's 15 years in NATO was attended by esteemed guests, including General James Jones, NATO Supreme Commander and NSA of President Obama; General David Petraeus, former CIA director; Lord George Robertson, former NATO Secretary General; and a host of other distinguished personalities, whose presence underscored the significance of this milestone.

As Albania reflects on its journey towards NATO membership, it remains cognizant of the challenges posed by malign influences from Russia, China, Iran, and their proxies in the region. It is imperative for NATO countries in the Balkans to unite and collaborate in building military and political deterrence to counter these threats effectively and enhance their contribution as members of the Alliance.

Fifteen years in NATO represents not only a milestone for Albania but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to upholding the values of democracy, freedom, and collective security. As Albania looks towards the future, it does so with optimism, knowing that its partnership with NATO will continue to strengthen, ensuring peace and stability for generations to come.