President Begaj’s Greeting at the New Year’s Online Meeting with Members of the Albanian Armed Forces Serving Abroad
Dear soldiers, NCOs, and officers,
It is a special pleasure for me to meet you today in this online format to sincerely wish you all a Happy New Year for you and your families!
Indeed, New Year’s is a celebration that brings families together. You all are physically far from your families and loved ones, but I assure you that myself, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense support you. You are in our minds and hearts.
The warmth and joy of the holiday season belong with family, and you should have been with your families today, but you are on a more important mission, in service of the homeland to maintain peace, security, and freedom.
The nation is profoundly grateful to you.
Albania may be a small country, but it makes significant contributions to peace and security. Your presence and service, from Kosovo to Bosnia, from Bulgaria to Latvia, the Aegean, Iraq, Sinai, and all the way to South Sudan, clearly demonstrate our country’s commitment and dedication to peace and security not just regionally but globally.
Over the past year, during all my international visits, I have met with our contingents serving in missions and wherever I have gone, I felt extraordinarily filled with pride for the wonderful commendations addressed to you for your work and dedication, for the professionalism you display wherever you are on mission. Naturally, the mission demands high responsibility, and you have fulfilled it excellently.
You are the best ambassadors, and thanks to your service, our national flag that we saw waving proudly alongside other NATO flags.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine has completely changed the security environment. Old and new threats underscore the need for the development and modernization of our Armed Forces.
During 2024, in conversations with the Chief of the General Staff and the Minister of Defense, I was informed that the defense budget has been increased and so has the support for military personnel. I believe it is our duty to support all military members and their families.
Geopolitical dynamics require an increase in our contributions to NATO and the strengthening of our solidarity. Albania will continue to be an active contributor with its participation in missions and operations wherever and whenever required.
Once again, I wish you all a heartfelt Happy New Year! May it bring health and prosperity to each of you, your families, and the Albanian nation!
Thank you very much for your service!