The Albanian and US soldiers participating in the Defender Europe 2021 military exercise held an open day on Sunday in Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square where they interacted with the public and showcased their equipment and vehicles.
US Ambassador Yuri Kim, Prime Minister Edi Rama, and President Ilir Meta were among officials who participated in the event organized on the occasion.
Ambassador Kim praised Albania for welcoming most of the activities of Defender Europe 2021, the largest military exercise held in the Western Balkans with 28,000 troops from 26 NATO and partner countries.
She said the exercise marks an “historic moment” for Albania and the United States, as it also celebrates the 30th year of the fall of communism and resumption of diplomatic relations, as well as a century since the US supported Albania’s independence and territorial integrity.
“Historic moment is upon us again. The US will continue to stand with Albania as you undertake difficult tasks now necessary to achieve Albania’s full potential. We are proud to call you a friend and ally, and we will be with you shoulder to shoulder – today, tomorrow, always.” the ambassador stressed.
Prime Minister Rama praised the soldiers of both countries for their skill and commitment during the exercise. He highlighted that Defender Europe 2021 is the largest military exercise in the Balkans since World War II, and it shows the strength of the Albania-US strategic alliance. He thanked Ambassador Kim for her contribution in improving Albania’s capabilities in the military and justice sectors.
President Meta also thanked the US for their support, and for having chosen Albania as one of the main grounds for the exercise.
Defender Europe is a major annual multinational military exercise led by the United States. In Albania, it was launched in a ceremony on May 4, and will last until June.
It is the largest military exercise in southeast Europe. It aims at increasing military cooperation, and is designed to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability between US, NATO, and allies and partners.
Exercises this year will be conducted in more than 30 training areas located in more than a dozen countries, with 26 nations participating.
More than 28,000 forces have been deployed for exercise in total, and 16 countries will exercise.
Training areas will include Albania, the Balkans, the Baltics, the Black Sea and Africa. Albania has offered 7 military bases for the exercise.
