TIRANA, May 18 – For the second time, the largest American military exercise in Europe will take place in Albania, where the interactive capabilities of the US will be demonstrated with the allied and partner armies of NATO, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced through a post on Facebook on Thursday.
“The joint multinational exercise led by the US European Command begins, where the interactive capabilities of the United States will be demonstrated with allied and NATO partner armies. Albania, as a reliable partner and as a strategic point of regional security, will play a key role in this important exercise, showing our maximum commitment to peace and stability in the region,” said Rama.
Starting from May 22 to June 2, 2023, Albania will once again be one of the main training locations where thousands of military personnel from the US Army and NATO member countries will be deployed. Exercise Defender involves more than 7,000 US service members and 17,000 multinational troops from more than 20 allied and partner nations.
The exercise will demonstrate the ability of the US Army in Europe and Africa to serve as a Joint Land Force Component Command, and as a security partner in the strategically important Balkan and Black Sea regions, while supporting activities in Northern Europe and Africa.
There will be an opening activity to launch this exercise which will be attended by President Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi and American Ambassador Yuri Kim. Such an exercise was held in Albania two years ago. /argumentum.al
