Spencer Boyer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, and Gelardina Prodani, the Secretary General of the Albanian Ministry of Defense, jointly chaired the U.S.-Albania Bilateral Defense Consultations on Sep. 21, 2023. The event was inaugurated with remarks from Albanian Defense Minister Niko Peleshi.
During these consultations, both delegations exchanged views on the security landscape in the Western Balkans, particularly in light of Russia's unprovoked and aggressive actions in Ukraine. The meetings focused on a number of bilateral security cooperation issues, including the enhancement of Albania's military capabilities in infantry, rotary wing, explosive ordnance, and cyber defense.
Additionally, delegations discussed strategies to bolster the Albanian Ministry of Defense's logistical and resource management abilities, along with improved personnel recruitment and retention methods. The highlight of the event was the signing of a guiding framework by the co-chairs, outlining future bilateral security collaboration endeavors.
Both sides emphasized the significance of the enduring U.S.-Albania strategic alliance, underlining their mutual commitment to upholding shared values and promoting shared security objectives.