Major General Arben Kingji

Major General Arben Kingji was born in Kukës, Albania, on 22 December 1970. After the graduation from the Albanian Military Academy in 1993, he was commissioned as Platoon Commander at Military Unit 9001.

Upon his graduation, he has served in different assignments including: Platoon Commander, Tactical Instructor, Team Leader of 7th Special Group in Commando Battalion; Deputy Commander of Special Forces Battalion, Staff Officer for Training and Evaluation in Joint Forces; Commander of 3rd Battalion in Land Force, Commander of Support Battalion of the General Staff; Commander of the Military Police Battalion; and Defense Attaché in Romania.

On September 2020 he was promoted to the rank of "Brigadier General" and on October was assigned as Commander of Albanian Land Forces. In August 2022, Major General Kingji was promoted as Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces, by decree of the President of Republic of Albania. On June 2023, he was promoted to the rank of "Major General".

Major General Kingji has served in four tours of duty: three in Afghanistan (2003; 2009; 2012) and one in Iraq (2006), as Contingent Commander.

Major General Kingji graduated from General Staff and Commander Course, AAF Academy, Senior Officer Course, and he is a graduate of the Senior Course on Security and Defense Studies. Other qualifications include, NATO Standards Course; CIMIC Training Course; Weapons Control Orientation Course; Basic Staff Officer Course. In Türkiye, he completed the Basic Commando Course and the Special Forces Course in.

He has been awarded with various medals for his achievements during his military career, including: "Golden Eagle" Medal awarded by the President of Republic of Albania; Medal for Outstanding Services by Minister of Defense; The Meritorious Service Medal awarded by USA, NATO/ISAF Medal; International Service Medal; Medal for Special Services; Medal for Military Merits; and Career Medal.

Major General Kingji holds a Post-Graduate degree in Law from Wisdom University, in Tirana, and he speaks English and Turkish. He is married and father of two children.