Minister Vengu participates in Central Europe and Western Balkans Defense Ministerial in Bratislava

Minister Vengu participates in Central Europe and Western Balkans Defense Ministerial in Bratislava

Defence Minsiter Pirro Vengu took part in the Central Europe and Western Balkans Defense Ministers' Meeting (CEDC+WB), held this year in Bratislava, Slovakia.

The 2025 conference focused on defense industry, modernization, and armament as the main priorities of the Slovak presidency.

Minister Vengu underlined Albania's role as a reliable producer of stability and security in the region, highlighting the contribution of over 500 Albanian troops engaged in NATO and EU missions, as well as major defense industry investments in artillery systems, combat drones, armored vehicles, and munitions.

He emphasized that these initiatives, undertaken in coordination with the EU and NATO, are closely linked with critical infrastructure projects such as Corridor VIII, Porto Romano, and the strengthening of Civil Defense:

"Our EU integration agenda and strengthening defense as a pillar of economic development and national resilience go hand in hand. This was the right moment to receive meaningful support from our colleagues across Central and Southeastern Europe for this national priority." - said Minister Vengu.

The meeting gathered defence ministers from Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, alongside counterparts from the Western Balkans: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.