Albania and Turkey aim to expand cooperation in the defence sector through concrete projects, investments and joint ventures, with the goal of also developing the capabilities of Albania’s defence industry.
This was one of the main topics discussed during the official visit of Defence Minister Ermal Nufi to Ankara, where he was received by his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler.
During the meeting, Nufi stated that Albania sees potential for Turkish companies to become involved in projects and investments in the country, highlighting opportunities for technology transfer and the development of domestic capabilities.
“Albania sees potential for appropriate technology transfer and the development of domestic capabilities, creating new opportunities for the Albanian defence industry,” Nufi stated.
The two ministers agreed on the need to intensify cooperation and move towards a more structured programme, with concrete projects and measurable results.
Another key pillar of cooperation remains the modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces and the development of their capabilities. Nufi praised Turkey’s continued support, stressing that cooperation would remain focused on modernising the Albanian Armed Forces, training personnel and increasing interoperability in line with NATO standards.
According to the Albanian minister, Albanian cadets, officers and non-commissioned officers have been attending military academies and training programmes in Turkey for more than 20 years, making education and training one of the pillars of bilateral defence cooperation.
The meeting also addressed the two countries’ contributions to international security missions, with Albania expressing appreciation for Turkey’s involvement in KFOR and its support for the Albanian contingent in EUFOR ALTHEA.
The visit to Ankara aims to give a more practical dimension to the Albania–Turkey strategic defence partnership, focusing on investments, technology transfer, the modernisation of capabilities and joint projects.
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