Krstičević: Croatia Ready to Offer Airspace Surveillance to Albania

Defense Minister Damir Krstičević stated on Friday, during a meeting with Albanian Defense Minister Olta Xhacka, that Croatia will strengthen the capabilities of its armed forces and increase its contribution to security in Southeast Europe by procuring multi-role combat aircraft, and that Croatia is ready to offer airspace surveillance to Albania when it achieves that capability, the Ministry of Defense (MORH) announced.

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“As you know, Croatia has made the decision to procure a multi-role combat aircraft, which will strengthen the capabilities of the Croatian Army and increase its contribution to security in Southeast Europe. With the procurement of a new multi-role combat aircraft, we are becoming ready to offer the capability of airspace protection, or air policing, to our NATO neighbors,” said Krstičević.

The two sides emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between Albania and Croatia and announced the imminent signing of a Defense Cooperation Agreement. Minister Xhacko highlighted that Albania and Croatia are an important factor in maintaining stability and security in Southeast Europe: “Croatia is an important ally to Albania, and I hope we will expand and intensify our defense cooperation, especially in the areas of education, training, and exercises,” said Xhacko.

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Krstičević emphasized his support for Albania in the initiative to establish a NATO Center of Excellence for Foreign Fighters and added that he is pleased that members of the Croatian Navy will participate in the Albanion Lion exercise in September this year and extended an invitation to the Albanian defense minister for an official visit to Croatia.

During the meeting with the Albanian defense minister, possibilities for cooperation within the defense industry and collaboration in multilateral frameworks, primarily NATO and the A5 initiative, were also discussed.

“We believe that we can build our further cooperation in the field of defense industries; you know that the Croatian soldier is fully equipped with Croatian products and is a kind of brand of the Croatian defense industry. I am glad that the quality of products from Croatian companies is recognized in Albania and that members of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs use pistols and assault rifles,” said Krstičević.

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On the second day of the official visit to Albania, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense also met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Ditmir Bushati.

The meeting reaffirmed the good cooperation between the two friendly countries. Krstičević emphasized that Croatia and Albania have a significant stabilizing role in Southeast Europe, as stated in the official announcement.

“This year, both Albania and Croatia are marking the ninth anniversary of their NATO membership and can be an example that will guide the region towards Euro-Atlantic integrations,” said the minister, expressing Croatia’s support for Albania on its path to the EU and the readiness of the official Zagreb to share its experiences.