On Dec. 3, 2021, U.S. European Command had the honor of hosting the Chief of Defense of the Albanian Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Bajram Begaj.
During the visit U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Howard, USEUCOM Deputy Commander, facilitated briefings and dialogue focused on enhancing an already very strong and vital working relationship with the Albanian military.
Albania is a NATO Ally and a valued security partner, both regionally and globally, as evidenced by its current commitment of troops and resources to Kosovo Force, and Enhanced Forward Presence Latvia missions and previous support to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
During Defender Europe 21, Albania welcomed the largest footprint of troops and the most complex training evolutions, which demonstrated Albania’s ability to receive U.S. forces and train alongside Allies. USECOM’s future engagements with Albania include Defender Europe 22 and 23.