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

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence 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 Defence Pirro Vengu, and Monsignor Arjan Dodaj, Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tirana-Durrës, and Albania. Minister Anušić also met with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kosovo Ejup Maqedonci.

In the context of the newly emerging geopolitical circumstances and increased security risk in Southeast Europe, the Defence Ministers of the three countries – Croatia, Albania and Kosovo – signed a Declaration today in Tirana that strengthens trilateral cooperation and reinforces the alliance of these countries, given 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 promotion of the defence capabilities and cooperation of the defence industries, strengthening of the interoperability through education, training and exercises, suppression of hybrid threats and full support to Euro-Atlantic integrations. After signing the Declaration, Minister Anušić said that the new geopolitical situation requires the creation of new and reinforcement of the 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 the Southeast Europe, especially in the context of Ukraine, and we have decided to strengthen our cooperation based on experiences we have gained in 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 defence cooperation, we want to share our knowledge and experience with partners and strengthen the cooperation among military industries of our countries. Our relations with Kosovo and Albania are long and friendly, and the cooperation we have been 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 political and defence cooperation between our countries and to support Kosovo and Albania on their Euro-Atlantic path,” Minister Anušić said. He expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in organizing the meeting and stressed that he hopes to expand the number of signatories to the Declaration and the coalition.

The Defence Ministers of Albania and Kosovo confirmed their readiness and interest in preserving stability in Southeast Europe, especially when it comes to Kosovo.