Address

by Mr. Fatmir Mediu, Minister of Defence of Albania
to North Atlantic Council with non-ISAF contributors

Mr. Chairman, Dear Colleagues!

Afghanistan is today the centre of gravity for both NATO and partner countries. We recognize that time is now for more concrete commitments and actions. Albania is committed to stay side by side with NATO in Afghanistan until the mission is completed.

With this commitment in mind, we decided from the very beginning to participate with a platoon to the ISAF mission, together with the Turkey, a mission we are committed to continue.

Later on, other excellent cooperation within the context of the Adriatic Charter (A-3), is the Joint Medical Team serving with the Czech Republic. And, another joint regional contribution to the ISAF mission was also the deployment of the SEEBRIG Headquarters to Afghanistan during the first half of 2006 with participation of 7 countries. Albania will support every decision regarding a possible re-deployment of SEEBRIG during next chairmanship, considering the size and the lessons learned.

The most important contribution is the decision of Albanian government to increase the contribution to the NATO-led ISAF mission by one additional company of 110 personnel, serving together with Italy in Herat.

Albanian Parliament voted in full consensus to deploy our troops in the beginning of July. This decision increases three times the current contribution of Albanian presence in ISAF. We are open to consider further engagement in the area of personnel training.

I am quite sure that the participation in ISAF mission has also been a real test for our military units. The lessons learned and the experience they have gained is an invaluable asset to our continued force modernization programs.

Thank you.