Set 2/2 
Chief of Defence Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj, participated in the “Open Day” of the multinational exercise "Defender Europe 21" in Durrës and together with the US Ambassador Mrs. Yuri Kim had an inspection visit in Kuçovë.
The event in Durrës, which took place in "Iliria" square, was also attended by the Mayor of Durrës Ani Sako, the Prefect of Durrës Roland Nasto, senior military, citizens, pupils etc.
In his greeting in the "Open Day" Major General Assoc. Prof. Begaj, after thanking all those present in this event, said among others: "I believe that people are informed by the media for what is happening in Albania. This is not just a demonstration of the willpower and abilities of our strategic allies and the Alliance for Security and Collective Defense."
During his speech, Major General Assoc. Prof. Begaj also addressed the young people present at this event, who experience more than anyone, special emotions and feelings when they see such close cooperation and interoperability of our forces with the American ones. He emphasized the special values of the AF service today, as part of the Alliance and alongside the great allies. "I would like to express these values and importance by quoting Secretary General Stoltenberg, when he addressed the youth at the Youth Summit on NATO 2030 Vision: "NATO 2030 is a chance for you to grow, to preserve your future, your freedom, your Alliance.", - said Major General Assoc. Prof. Begaj.
While in Kuçovë, the General Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Bajram Begaj together with the US Ambassador Mrs. Yuri Kim inspected the American troops stationed at the Kuçova Air Base. Besides the meetings with the 21st Battalion American soldiers, the authorities visited the air force base installations and were briefed on NATO projects on this base.
Chief of General Staff of the AAF, Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj gave special thanks to the American soldiers for their presence and cooperation with the Albanian army in terms of interoperability and readiness.
The exercise within the framework of "Defender Europe 21" will continue with the “Open Day” in Vlora on May 21, in Tirana on May 23 and in Kuçova on May 25, 2021.
