TIRANA, February 16 – NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska spoke to the media about cooperation between Albania, Croatia, and Kosova. She also addressed plans for a joint military exercise.

In an interview with Beta agency during the NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels, Shekerinska said Albania and Croatia are reliable allies. They contribute to regional peace and stability. Both countries participate in KFOR and support regional initiatives.

Shekerinska clarified that NATO did not take part in the declaration signed by Prishtina, Tirana, and Zagreb. Alliance membership does not prevent countries from signing separate defense agreements.

She highlighted the impact of global geopolitical shifts on the region. These changes have led to more exercises and increased defense investments. NATO encourages allies and partners to engage in political dialogue. The goal is to resolve outstanding regional issues. NATO’s presence in the Western Balkans supports this dialogue.

Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo signed a “Joint Cooperation in Defense” declaration in March last year in Tirana. Albania’s Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, Croatia’s Defense Minister Ivan Anusic, and Kosova’s Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci signed the agreement.

The cooperation aims to strengthen defense capacities, develop defense technology, and improve military interoperability. Officials from the three countries met twice this month to implement the declaration. They announced a joint exercise later this year.

/a.p./