TIRANA, July 28 – Parliament ratified the loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing program. The agreement opens the way for a $302 million investment to modernize Albania’s Armed Forces.
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the agreement marks an important step for national security. He added that it also strengthens the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States.
Malaj explained that Parliament used an expedited procedure because of the document’s sensitive nature and obligations arising from cooperation with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He said only lawmakers who accepted the confidentiality rules could access the full documentation.
Meanwhile, Malaj stressed that no one questioned the agreement’s importance for national security during the parliamentary debate. He said the expedited procedure reflected the agreement’s security requirements rather than political considerations.
In addition, Malaj said the Finance Ministry negotiated terms that protect public finances. He noted that the agreement allows disbursements only when the Defense Ministry identifies specific needs. He added that it provides flexibility in loan management and requires full oversight by United States authorities.
As a result, Malaj said security requires responsibility rather than rhetoric. He stated that Albania has taken another important step to strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States. He added that the agreement confirms the confidence that partners place in Albania as a source of regional stability and a reliable North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally.
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