NATO says Albania must keep up reforms

The Prime Minister met with the Secretary General and briefed the North Atlantic Council - the Alliance’s principal decision-making body - on the reform process in his country.

Dr. Berisha said his country was ready to start its integration into the Alliance and discussed Albania's aspirations to become a member of NATO, something which the Prime Minister said he would like to become a reality by the time of the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania.

He gave an overview of the recent developments in the fight against organised crime and the economic progress of the country, areas which continue to be a cause of concern for NATO.

Counter-terror contribution

During their meeting, the Secretary General and the Prime Minister signed an exchange of letter confirming Albania’s participation in NATO’s naval counter-terrorist operation in the Mediterranean, Active Endeavour.

Mr. De Hoop Scheffer and the Council praised Albania for its contribution to NATO’s operations.

Also during this visit, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Facilitation of Vital Civil Cross Border Transport was signed by the Albanian Minister of Defence in the presence of NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Adam Kobieracki.

Albania is one of three countries in the Membership Action Plan, a NATO programme of advice, assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of countries wishing to join the Alliance.