Major General Xhemal Gjunkshi
Chief of Defence – Albania
2011
MG Xh. Gjunkshi was born in Peshkopia, Albania, on 30 January 1963. He began his military studies in 1978 at the “Skenderbej” Military High School. After graduating from the Albanian Military Academy, in 1985, he began his military career as platoon commander and one year later as chief of training in infantry brigade in Burrel, in 1986.
Throughout his career, MG Gjunkshi has had the privilege and pleasure of commanding troops at platoon, company and battalion level. After his assignment as battalion commander in Peshkopia, he attended the War College of Land Forces in Turkey, where he successfully graduated in 1998.
From 1998 until 2004, MG Gjunkshi covered different positions and duties in the Albanian General Staff and the Ministry of Defense. In 2004 until 2007, he was appointed Military attaché in Turkey.
In 2007, MG Gjunkshi was appointed commander of Commando Regiment, one of the elite units of Albanian Armed Forces.
In 2008, General Gjunkshi won the title of “Ambassador for Peace” from Universal Peace Federation.
With the rank of Brigadier General, Mr. Gjunkshi was appointed in 2009 commander of Support Command and later commander of Logistic Brigade.
In his career, Mr. Xh. Gjunkshi was promoted Captain (in 1992), major (1993), Lt Colonel (1999), and colonel in 2005. He was promoted Brigadier General in 2009. By the decree of President of Albania, MG Gjunkshi was assigned as the Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces on 8 August 2011. In this position he succeeded MG Malaj, whose term ended in July 2011.
Brigadier General Xhemal Gjunkshi, Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces was promoted Major General by the President of the Republic by decree No.7156, on 10 November 2011.
In November 2012, Major General Xhemal Gjunkshi was awarded the International Prize for Peace“Bonifacio VIII” by the Academy Bonificiana, in the town of Anagni, Italy.
During his carrier, General Gjunkshi has been awarded several decorations, and the Military Merit Medal and Orders, for distinguished work and contribution.
General Gjunkshi and his wife have a son and a daughter.