Albania to head Adriatic Charter, the 'A-5' should become 'A-6' with membership of Kosovo

Minister of Defense Olta Xhaçka participated in a meeting of the United States Defense Ministers in the Adriatic Charter, also known as A-5, which consists of Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The meeting was held in Budva, Montenegro.

Albania, through the Ministry of Defense, is set to take the lead of "A-5" in less than two months.

Minister Xhaçka, as the host of the next meeting in Tirana, invited the homologues of the Adriatic Charter member countries to support Albania's initiative to open doors to other countries aspiring to be part of the Alliance of the North Atlantic.

“It is the time that we must show that we are ready to open doors for each other, right here in our home, before we ask The North Atlantic Treaty Organization to open its doors to us.

“A-5 should be A-6. Next year, Albania will lead A-5 and all should welcome Kosovo to become part of this initiative for the integration of the region into The North Atlantic Treaty Organization,” said Olta Xhaçka.

Xhaçka also underlined the need to strengthen co-operation and political dialogue, adding that it is the right time for more clarity and long-term vision for the common goals.

“Albania will always remain engaged to the basic values and principles of the Adriatic Charter by continuing political dialogue and cooperation with the United States of America and A5 member countries,” expressed Xhaçka.

Participants in the meeting, including US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper, praised Albania's positive role in the region, particularly to the Open Door Policy.

In conclusion, the Ministers of Defense of the Adriatic Charter signed a statement committing to cooperate in defense against common threats.

EMISIONET