On April 1, 2009, Albania became a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
President Bajram Begaj conveyed a message on this anniversary, emphasizing that, “The date of April 1, 2009, epitomized the Euro-Atlantic vision of the Albanians to be part of the strongest political-military alliance of our time. This membership realized the long-standing aspiration of the Albanian people, returning it to its Western belonging, enshrined since the philosophy of our national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti, as a strategist of the first political-military alliance with the West. Albania’s NATO membership is one of the most important dates in our national history.”
The president expressed gratitude to the Albanian people, the United States, and allies who made this membership possible.
“In these 15 years in NATO, Albania has brought more security to the country, the region, and the Euro-Atlantic area. Proud of the effectiveness of our Armed Forces personnel, as well as Albanian boys and girls in peacekeeping missions and NATO operations, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Latvia, and the Aegean Sea. Albania will continue to stand unwaveringly to defend freedom and contribute to a peaceful world alongside allies,” President Begaj declared.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Arben Kingji, described the 15th anniversary of Albania’s NATO membership as an important moment in the nation’s history, providing impetus for fulfilling national and strategic interests in foreign policy.
In a post on social media, Kingji wrote, “Proud that Albania is a reliable ally, promoter, and defender of peace, democratic values, and collective security. Over the years, we have been and continue to contribute to a variety of missions led by NATO, the EU, and the UN, alongside strategic partners and allies.”
“This anniversary finds the Armed Forces in a process of transformation and modernization, from the review of strategic documents to the implementation of new projects focusing on enhancing operational capabilities, firepower, anti-aircraft and cyber defense, to best fulfill national obligations and those to the Alliance,” emphasized Kingji.
Major General Kingji said, “In this era characterized by complex security challenges where the values of freedom and democracy are being undermined, NATO is more united and stronger than ever.”
The United States Embassy in Tirana congratulated Albania on the 15th anniversary of its NATO membership.
The United States Embassy writes that since 2009, Albania’s development as a reliable partner and ally has been truly extraordinary.
“Since joining NATO in 2009, Albania’s development into a trusted partner and ally has been truly remarkable. Today, Albania has security, stability, and resilience – today, Albania has NATO. Together, we stand stronger. Here’s to many more years as NATO allies!”
The Embassy shares a video message from the US Ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith.
“Today we are honored to celebrate Albania as you mark your 15th anniversary in the alliance. We are proud to stand with you, whether it’s here in NATO headquarters or out in the field. NATO is ready, willing and able to defend every inch of allied territory, and we do it together, as allies. We have been stronger together for 15 years and we will continue to be stronger together for many more,” the ambassador stated.
On April 1, 2009, Albania became a full member of NATO after the completion of the ratification of the Accession Protocol by all allied countries and the deposit of the accession instrument at NATO in the State Department, which is also the legal custodian of the Washington Treaty.
By becoming a party to this Treaty and a member state of NATO, Albania achieved a strategic goal and a top priority objective of its foreign policy, significantly advancing in the realization of its national interests.
