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| Major General David Tabor, Commander of US Special Forces in Europe |
The activation ceremony of the advanced headquarters of the American operational forces in Europe took place in Tirana today, which will have a permanent base in Albania.
The Chief of General Staff of the Albanian Army Bajram Begaj explained that this presence "will serve to increase interoperability, increase efficiency, provide more training, and develop the capabilities of special forces of other NATO countries." in the region".
This headquarters will expand its activity throughout the Balkan region.
"This headquarters will provide partners and allies with access and flexibility to enable better, faster, and more efficient operations," said Major General Begaj.
For the commander of US special operations in Europe, David Tabor, the goal is "to train our allies and partners by improving our capabilities and staying in a position to respond to the crisis if it occurs."
"The capabilities of the special operations forces enable stability in the region. This is another step forward as we increase co-operation with our partners in the Balkans," he said.
The Albanian Minister of Defense, Niko Peleshi, stated during the ceremony that the deployment of this headquarters is another proof of the efforts of the United States to increase the military capabilities of the countries of the region.
According to him, the decision came at the right time, at the height of insecurity and gloomy situations that Europe is going through with the Russian aggression in Ukraine while noting "Russia's efforts to use certain spaces in the Balkan region."
According to the Chief of Staff of the Albanian Army, "the situation in our region seems calm, but it is delicate that even the smallest incidents can escalate and endanger the stability of the entire region."
"Special forces are important for their role in responding quickly to emergencies but also to ensure the flexibility of other forces if needed," he said.
On the other hand, Major General Begaj added "for the citizens of the Balkans is important the message that is conveyed that the region is of strategic, political and military importance, and has the interest and attention of the US and NATO."
"This clearly shows that the United States is committed to maintaining peace in the Balkans, especially in times like these where cohesion and cooperation between allies is crucial," Mr Begaj said.
US Ambassador Yuri Kim explained that the selection of Albania as the base of the advanced staff is linked to the close partnership and growing respect for Albania as a United States security partner.