Italy and Albania strengthen military naval cooperation: a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Fincantieri and KAYO

 An important Memorandum of Understanding was signed today at the Port of Durrës between the Italian company Fincantieri, a world leader in shipbuilding, and the Albanian company KAYO, marking the beginning of a joint collaboration in the military naval industry sector. In parallel, a Letter of Intent was also signed for the temporary transfer of the Italian patrol boat "Libra" to the Albanian Navy.

 

The event was attended by the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, who also visited the Libra ship, a concrete symbol of the new strategic partnership between the two countries.

In his speech, Prime Minister Rama emphasized the symbolic and substantial importance of the agreement, defining it as "a tangible proof of the friendship and cooperation between Italy and Albania, which today enters a new era, generating new energies."

"This ship," Rama continued, "is a visible and concrete testimony of what we are building together. But our joint work goes far beyond this ship: we are creating a true synergy between the two shores of the Adriatic, joining ideas and forces to transform a historic friendship into an opportunity for shared growth for our peoples and our states."

Addressing the Italian guests, Rama expressed deep gratitude: "I want to warmly thank the Italian friends, especially the entire military team that came for this occasion. It is a gesture of great generosity, friendship, and respect. I would like to thank the head of the Italian military delegation for the welcome and for the special memory I will carry with me: the 'jewel' of the Libra ship, a true floating museum of the Italian Navy. It is not every day that we have such an opportunity, and thank you, Guido, for showing me another Italian museum – this time, at sea."

Rama also highlighted the strategic value of the new partnership: "We are living in new times, full of challenges unforeseen until a few years ago. It is evident that we must unite everything that can be united, beyond the size of each country. What matters is what is added, and I firmly believe that this relationship with Italy will become increasingly important, strategic, and rooted in the common interests of our two peoples."

In conclusion, the Prime Minister emphasized that "appetite comes with eating, but in the meantime, we must savor this great dish of generosity and benevolence offered by Italy."

Today's agreement represents a further step towards closer cooperation between Italy and Albania, particularly in the field of defense and maritime security.