TIRANA, May 7 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said NATO has become more important than ever in the current geopolitical environment after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in talks focused on Euro-Atlantic security, Ukraine, the Western Balkans and Albania’s role in the Alliance.
The meeting marked Hoxha’s first encounter with Rutte since taking office as foreign minister. He described it as a reflection of Albania’s growing responsibilities within NATO. Both sides shared concern over an increasingly complex and unpredictable security environment and stressed the need to reinforce collective defence.
Strengthening deterrence and raising defence readiness dominated the discussion, according to Hoxha. He pointed to higher defence spending, continued support for Ukraine and expanded defence industrial capacity as central priorities for transatlantic security.
Albania’s NATO profile continues to grow, Hoxha said, citing defence investment, military modernisation and participation in Alliance missions. Support for Ukraine remains a key commitment, he added, delivered through training, assistance and long-term capacity building within NATO frameworks.
Regional security in the Western Balkans and preparations for the NATO Summit in Tirana also featured in the talks. Hoxha highlighted NATO’s stabilising role in the region, Albania’s push for closer allied cooperation and KFOR’s presence in Kosovo, calling the upcoming summit a historic first for the region.
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