The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, held an online meeting today with the Armed Forces personnel serving in peacekeeping missions abroad. At the beginning of this year, the Head of State highly praised the sacrifice of the Albanian military, who celebrate away from their families to guarantee security in the hottest spots of the globe.
During the conversation with the officers and soldiers, the President gave important news for the year that has just begun: Albania will take command of the multinational battalion of the KFOR Operational Reserve for 2026.
“This is a clear testament to our commitment to collective defense and security in the region,” Begaj emphasized, describing this task as a major achievement of the Albanian army.
Albanian presence in the world
The President listed the broad map of our troops’ engagement, showing the weight that Albania has within the Alliance:
In the Region – Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
NATO’s Eastern Wing – Latvia and Bulgaria.
Strategic Missions – Iraq, Sinai, Aegean Sea and South Sudan.
Support for Ukraine – Participation in support structures against Russian aggression.
Modernization as a priority
Faced with complex geopolitical challenges, Begaj underlined that simply increasing the number of troops is not enough, but a modern force is required.
“The challenges require a capable Armed Force, with modern, professional and interoperable defense capacities with our partners,” he said, promising continued investments in defense.
President Begaj’s welcoming speech at the online meeting with FARSH personnel in missions and operations abroad
Dear Minister,
Honorable Chief of General Staff,
Generals, commanders and leaders of the Armed Forces,
Above all, dear soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, participants in missions and operations abroad,
It is a special pleasure for me to be together in these moments to greet you and to wish you happy holidays from the bottom of my heart!
I hope that the coming year will be prosperous and good not only for you, but also for your families!
The festive and joyful atmosphere calls for us to be together. It has found you far from your families, but with an all-important mission: to be at the top of your duty and in the service of the homeland, in the service of peace, security and freedom around the globe. You hold high the flag of Albania and we are proud of your service!
Your engagement, from Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Latvia, the Aegean Sea, Iraq, Sinai, South Sudan and in the structures supporting Ukraine, are clear evidence of Albania’s commitment and dedication to peace and security not only in the region, but also beyond.
Peace and security are priceless and their guarantee must be indispensable. Geopolitical and security challenges are complex and require us to respond to them according to requirements not only by increasing our contribution, but, above all, with a capable Armed Force, with modern, professional and interoperable defense capacities.
We will continue to increase our contributions to missions and operations abroad and will definitely participate wherever the Alliance requests.
Taking command of the multinational battalion of the KFOR Operational Reserve for 2026 is a clear testament to our commitment to collective defense, peace, and security. I am convinced that leading this important structure will be another achievement of our Armed Forces.
Once again, I wish you happy holidays, health and prosperity to you and your families!
Thank you very much for your service!
God bless Albania and the Armed Forces!
/RTSH/