TIRANA, December 18 – The Albanian Naval Force celebrated its 100th anniversary at the Port of Durrës. President Bajram Begaj and Defence Minister Pirro Vengu attended the ceremony.

Vengu said that the first effort to organize a military navy dated to December 25, 1925, when parliament approved the budget to buy two ships from Italy, “Shqipnia” [Albania] and “Skanderbeg.” He added that Albania had acted slowly and invested less than its maritime reality required.

He explained that the ‘Defence 2030’ strategy corrected this error through five main pillars. The first focused on people, relying on trained, motivated, respected, and well-paid crews. The second emphasized industrial sovereignty, ensuring control and real autonomy through shipbuilding and maintenance in Vlora Bay Naval Base.

The third pillar strengthened operational capability, focusing on real capacity to act. The fourth covered critical infrastructure. Vengu noted the symbolism of holding the ceremony in Durrës and highlighted projects at Porto-Romano to build a security, economic, and alliance hub.

The fifth pillar promoted national resilience, with modern coastal guards forming the first line of defence against pressures that eroded sovereignty.

He recalled that after the 1990s, the Naval Force modernized to meet NATO standards. In addition, it continued upgrading its fleet with new warships, multifunctional vessels, and mine countermeasure and underwater tracking capabilities.

Vengu said that the force had participated in NATO missions in the Aegean Sea for more than six years. He concluded that the Naval Force continued to protect Albania’s maritime sovereignty and implement national and international law with professionalism and pride.

/a.p./