President Begaj, message for the 15th anniversary of Albania’s membership in NATO
The President of the Republic, Mr. Bajram Begaj, today sent a message for the 15th anniversary of Albania’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. On April 1, 2009, Albania became a full member of NATO.
The full message of the President of the Republic:
“April 1, 2009, brought to life the Euro-Atlantic vision of the Albanian people to be part of the strongest political-military Alliance of our time. This membership fulfilled the long-standing aspiration of the Albanian people, returning them to their Western identity, embodied since the philosophy of our national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti, as a strategist of the first political-military alliance with the West. Albania’s membership in NATO is one of the most important dates in our national history. Grateful to the Albanian people, the USA, and allies who enabled this membership. Albania, in these 15 years in NATO, has brought more security for the country, the region, and the Euro-Atlantic space. Proud of the personnel of our Armed Forces, as well as the Albanian girls and boys in peacekeeping missions and NATO operations, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosova, Bulgaria, Latvia, and the Aegean Sea. Albania will continue to stand firm, together with allies, to defend freedom and contribute to a world in peace.”