Premier Berisha received the New Commander of NATO South Wing, Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald.

Welcoming him to Albania, Premier Berisha expressed to Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald the gratitude of all the Albanians for the support, contribution and extremely fruitful cooperation of NATO to Albania in all its steps of developments

Admiral Fitzgerald thanked Premier Berisha for the warm reception and stated that the extremely important developments will favor the optimistic view of the region toward the future.  

Premier Berisha emphasized that Albania is focused on two major projects - integration into NATO and BE - the most important projects of the century for Albanians and entire region.

NATO support for our Armed Forces has been very important, we also appreciate and fully accept NATO platform for the evaluation of progress of vital reforms in Albania”, the premier said. 

Premier Berisha expressed his pleasure for the fact that the visit of Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald coincides with a favorable political climate in Albania. He focused on the joint work of Albanian political forces in cooperating with every reform that strengthens democracy, economic development, as well as Albania Armed Forces - a vital cooperation for the country.

In this framework, the reform in justice has made a progress, stressed the Premier, underling that the law on judiciary has been voted and the approval of other laws is under way. Likewise, the electoral reform is going ahead, and there is a will in this direction. 

Premier Berisha focused on the constant fight of government and respective instructions in fight against organized crime and corruption, which had turned into a system, but now is seeing drastic fall in indices.

Later on, Premier Berisha informed Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald of the serious reforms in economic development and modernization of our Armed Forces. He told Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald that the 6% increase of Albanian economy is based on the fiscal package with the lowest fiscal burden in Europe. These results and fight against fiscal evasion, informality, digitalization of many procedures and increase of transparency have turned Albania into an attractive country for investment, which are increasing.

Concerning reformation of our Armed Forces, premier Berisha said that Albanian government has made and will make all the efforts for the creation of a modern and efficient army for all the operations to defend and help Albanian population, as well as meeting NATO standards.

Premier Berisha said Albanian Armed Forces are present in Iraq, Afghanistan, Balkans, and will be in Darfur soon.

Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald expressed his impression on progress of Albania in the course of these years. He went on saying that Albania should be proud of the achievements of its leadership, as NATO. 

Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald thanked Premier Berisha for the extremely professional participation of Albania in peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Balkans, and stated that NATO will back the modernization of our Armed Forces.

We recognize the importance of NATO membership invitation for your country and praise the great work of your government in this direction, stressed Fitzgerald.

Likewise, Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald said that NATO positively assesses the stabilizing role of Albania in Kosovo issue, as well as developments in the region, in general. The Independence of Kosovo means stability and peace for the entire region. The dignified celebrations of Kosovars are a hopeful signal in this direction, added Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald.