The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama stated that the ‘Defender Europe 21’ exercise is a unique way to elevate Albania's relations with the US and NATO.

Rama spoke from Durrës at the launch of the NATO exercise, assuring the US and NATO that Albania, despite not offering much to the alliance in numerical strength, stands by them faithfully.

"I am convinced that this exercise is much more than an important moment of joint work. It is the important point in further elevating our relationship to the highest point. We appreciate great relationships, the fact is that they can be even better thanks to a great deal of trust, mutual interaction.

I really want to believe that after your landing in Albania, what happens to everyone will happen to you as well: you will want to come back again. Whoever comes here, wants to come back. I am very confident that it will happen to you too.

I believe that all of us together should keep in mind to pass on to other generations this legacy for the future of our country. This legacy for freedom and democracy will give the younger generation the opportunity to be educated with the values, principles and standards of the NATO Armed Forces.

Thank you very much for this historic moment, that fills us with pride and responsibility. We will continue to stand loyally by your side, as a country that from a numerical point of view we do not offer much, but we offer many values ​​that make this alliance unique to our world. We want to be more and more worthy, within this alliance,'' said Rama.