President Begaj Visits NATO’s KFOR Command in Pristina
During a visit to the KFOR Command in Pristina, President Begaj met with the mission’s commander, Major General Enrico Barduani, and the Albanian personnel serving there.
President Begaj discussed the security challenges Kosovo faces in light of developments, especially in the North of the country and across the region. The President expressed his gratitude to Major General Barduani for the contribution and also conveyed his thanks to Italy, which contributes the largest number of troops in Kosovo.
The President emphasized the necessity of KFOR’s presence to maintain peace and security in Kosovo and appreciated the crucial role the mission has played not only for Kosovo but also for stability in the Balkans.
President Begaj assured Major General Barduani of Albania’s unwavering support for NATO and the KFOR mission, which he described as a “success story,” and Albania’s readiness to increase troop numbers if necessary.
Albania has the largest number of personnel serving in international missions abroad. In his meeting with the Albanian soldiers, President Begaj, in his capacity as the General Commander of the Armed Forces, recognized their commitment and dedication to a service of great national importance, noting that besides contributing to NATO, their participation in KFOR serves the peace, security, and welfare of Kosovo, which is a priority.
President Begaj noted that legislative improvements reflect the growing attention and support from the institutions towards the Armed Forces.
“You represent the best of the Albanian state because you make us proud with your activities, engagement, sense of responsibility, and your contribution,” praised President Begaj at the meeting, accompanied by Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, Chief of the General Staff, and Mr. Petrit Malaj, the Albanian Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo.
