"The first Albania that gave weapons to Ukraine", Blinken talks about the Kučova base: It will be inaugurated next month
2024-02-15 18:40:02PolitikëSHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Anthony Blicken
The Kuçova airbase was part of the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Rama and Secretary Anthony Bliken, the senior American official revealed during the bilateral conference.
The head of American diplomacy revealed that this base will be ready next month and will have the help of all partner countries in NATO to equip it with the latest technology.
Blinken praised Rama's leadership and the contribution that Albania has given to Ukraine since the first days of Russian aggression as well as NATO missions.
"Thank you for the hospitality and for the direct and honest conversation. The Prime Minister is an exceptional partner of the USA. This partnership is stronger than ever. We are doing things with each other and for each other. We talked about the hard work for penance regarding Ukraine. We also discussed today the challenges we face and focused on security issues. Albania has been a supporter of Ukraine and was among the first to send weapons to face Russian aggression. During 15 years in NATO, Albania has made an essential contribution. Next month, Albania inaugurates the base in Kuçovo. All members will bring their contribution. Each ally has increased defense spending in recent years. We are thankful that Albania is doing its part and keeping its obligations ," said Secretary Blinken.
Furthermore, the American secretary revealed that during the meetings with Rama, he also talked about Iran's cyber attacks and the US contribution to confronting them, while he did not forget to thank Albania and the Albanians for hosting thousands of Afghans.
"We are grateful that Albania is doing its part and is committed to its obligations. It has welcomed thousands of Afghan evacuees, today I had the pleasure of meeting some of them, they will come to the US to continue the next chapter. I saw not only gratitude, but also the way they were welcomed by the Albanian people and it is difficult to describe how much this means to our Afghan friends. We are really inspired by the way you have done this" , said Blinken at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Rama.
