ZAGREB, March 12 (Hina) – Defence ministers of Croatia and Albania, Damir Krstičević and Olta Xhacka, in Zagreb on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding which is expected to provide fresh impetus to defence cooperation between the two countries.
The two ministers discussed current security challenges in Southeastern Europe and reaffirmed the traditionally good bilateral relations based on their long-standing friendship and partnership.
With reference to cooperation between the two navies, Krstičević spoke of the Naval Studies programme in Split, developed in cooperation between the Tuđman Military Academy and the University of Split. He said that it would be possible for an Albanian cadet to enrol in the programme in the school year 2021/22.
Krstičević recalled that this year Croatia and Albania were marking ten years of their membership in NATO, adding that their membership had contributed to stability and security in the two countries and the entire region.
Krstičević thanked Albania for confirming its participation in the international military exercise “Immediate Response 19”, which Croatia is organising to mark the 10th anniversary of NATO membership.
The talks also focused on security in Southeastern Europe and current challenges faced by Croatia and Albania. Krstičević said that cooperation and the exchange of information in that regard were crucial.
Xhacka said that relations between the two countries were excellent and that their membership of NATO was a guarantee of security for both countries. She thanked Croatia for the support it was extending to Albania on its path to European Union membership and called for intensifying cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries. She also thanked Croatia for its support to Kosovo.
Xhacka said that political stability, security and economic prosperity in Southeastern Europe were very important and that Croatia and Albania would continue making their contributions in that regard.
More news on the relations between Croatia and Albania can be found in the Politics section.
