Tuesday 25 May 2010
The Albanian Minister of Defence Mr Arben Imami visited the NATO Defense College on 25 May 2010 and delivered the Lecture of Opportunity "Albania and NATO: Entry as a new member and expectations for the future" to Senior Course 116. He was accompanied by a delegation consisting of the Albanian Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Mr Llesh Kola; the Deputy Chief of Defence, Brigadier General Sander Lleshi; the Director of the Office of the Minister of Defence, Ms Donika Capi; and the Director, Defence Policy and Foreign Relations, Mr Idriz Konjari.
Mr Imami is a prominent figure in the Albanian political scenario: he has also served as Minister of Justice, Legislative Reform and Local Authority and Decentralization.
The members of the delegation were welcomed by NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Wolf-Dieter Loeser, who briefed them on the College's activities and mission and emphasized the educational value of NDC programmes for Course Members. The Minister of Defence stressed that his country, which joined the Alliance in 2009, considers its engagement in NATO operations not only as an obligation deriving from its membership but also as a common sharing of security responsibilities. Albania, Mr Imami said, will fully support and promote a stable and secure regional climate, and is committed to taking a balanced approach in the interests of peace, stability and peaceful resolution of potential disputes. The lecture was followed by a lively question and answer session with Course Members.
Concluding his speech, Mr Imami highlighted Albania's strong commitment to restructuring the Defence administration and the Armed Forces' determination to part ways with the legacy of the past regime.
