Minister Igli Hasa speech.

2024 marks a significant milestone for NATO. On April 4, our Alliance celebrates its 75th anniversary. This year is a special importance for Albania, as 15 years from our country’s membership in the Alliance in 2009 are 15 years.

The last 75 years are a testament to nato’s strength and sustainability. Our alliance has been constantly adapted to changing geopolitical landscapes, displaying consistency and flexibility.

Further strengthened by the recent unification of our newest allies: Sweden and Finland, NATO today stands as a steadfast guarantor of collective security for all its allies, ready to remain so for many more decades.

In the face of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and escalating global security threats, NATO’s importance has never been more pronounced than it is today.

For Albania, April 1, 2009, marks a key moment in our history and an affirmation of our aspirations to create a modern democratic state. Nato membership for us was not just to gain security; it was also about the entrenchment of our country among the democratic, Western family of nations.

In the years since, we have done our utmost to contribute to the Alliance, playing an important, proactive role in ensuring the security and stability of our region and contributing to missions and operations across the globe.

As we commemorate this historic moment, we will continue our contributions to our Alliance with the same unwavering commitment and enthusiasm we have shown since day one, in search of peace, security and prosperity.