A number of different activities have been conducted in Albania within the framework of the multinational exercise "Defender Europe 21" with the participation of the highest authorities of the country and American military commands in Europe. The Distinguished Visitors' Day took place in the Port of Durrës, which marked the launch of the largest multinational military exercise in the history of the Armed Forces "Defender Europe-21”.
US troops demonstrated at the port of Durres military logistics operations for the deployment of military equipment by sea (JLOTS), while at the Naval Force Command the demonstrated the supply with fuel from the sea (WETLOTS), a tactical operation carried out for the first time since the Second World War.
Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General, Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Tirana, Murat Ahmet Yörük, and the Turkish military attaché Colonel Kablay.
Major General Assoc. Prof. Begaj estimated the bilateral military and regional cooperation between the countries, in the field of Security and Defense and even further within NATO missions and activities.
Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj, held a meeting with the General Director of the Security Academy in the State Police, Senior Director Dr. Bilbil Mema.
Possibilities of interinstitutional cooperation in the field of education and staff training in respective academies were discussed during the meeting.
Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj, welcomed the NCO Adviser of the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa, Sergeant Major Robert Abernethy, and the NCO Adviser of the 21st US Army Support Command, Sergeant Major Sean Howard.
Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj appreciated the military cooperation with the US Army Command in Europe and Africa, especially the selection of our country to conduct the "Defender Europe 21" exercise. Furthermore, he emphasized that this exercise provides us with opportunities in increasing interoperability and testing operational capacities. This training is also an opportunity for mutual cooperation of NCO corps to increase their role as managers/leaders of small-level tactical training.
Major General, Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj congratulated the Air Force pilots, active and discharged military and civilians on the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Albanian Military Aviation:
Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj, in an interview with VOA journalist, Ilirian Agolli, explained the dimensions and goals of "Defender Europe 21" Exercise, as the largest multinational, joint exercise ever held in our region not only for the participants but also for its importance. Considering its dimensions and geographical notion, this exercise covers a fairly wide territory from Africa to Europe, whereas in the front line it includes Northern Europe from the Baltic and Black Sea to Western Balkans. A larger presence of troops will be engaged in this exercise together with 26 NATO allies and partners countries ", - emphasized Major General Assoc. Prof. Begaj.
