Albanian Defense Minister, Niko Peleshi participated in the Ministerial Central European Defense Cooperation (CECD) and Western Balkans, which was chaired by the Hungarian presidency, in Budapest.
During his welcome speech, the Minister of Defense of Hungary, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky praised the contribution of the CEDC initiative to the strengthening of regional cooperation in the field of defense and security, emphasizing that the countries of Central Europe view the Western Balkans as their focus and by consequence this region has been and remains one of the main priorities of the CEDC initiative.
While, Albanian Minister of Defense, Niko Peleshi expressed his gratitude to the CEDC countries for the focus and attention they pay to the Western Balkans, emphasizing the inclusion of the 6 Western Balkan countries and at the same time highly appreciating the inclusion of Kosova in this initiative.
Albanian Minister of Defense reconfirmed the commitment of Albania to any regional/international cooperation aimed at addressing the challenges of the time, increasing interaction in the field of security and defense as well as ensuring peace and stability.
Further, Peleshi highlighted the challenges that our region is facing, from the consequences of the war in Ukraine, foreign influences aimed at destabilizing the Western Balkans, specifically mentioning the tense situation in the north of Kosova some time ago.
Peleshi emphasized the dialogue between Serbia and Kosova, so strongly promoted and requested by the EU and the US, is the only solution for maintaining integrity and peace in the region"
Albanian Minister of Defense underscored that the Ministry of Defense of Albania will continue to be one of the biggest contributors to regional cooperation, promoting good neighborhood, supporting the principle of mutual acceptance and inclusiveness, preserving of peace and security in the region and beyond.
During this meeting, the priorities and the calendar of activities that will take place during the Hungarian presidency of the CEDC were presented.
The CEDC initiative, and the format within it dedicated to the Western Balkans, has strengthened cooperation and coordination between the states of Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
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