Niko Peleshi is now officially Minister of Defense, after the solemn ceremony held, where Olta Xhaçka handed over the new task to the former Deputy Prime Minister. 

Peleshi, in his speech before the senior military, stated that he will perform his duty with patriotism, and added that he and his team will work for the future of Albania as close as possible to the EU and NATO. 

"Dear Minister, dear Olta. Distinguished generals and MPs, patrons, guests and participants. The task of the Minister of Defense is to contribute to peace, to promote freedom, to fulfill the obligations we have as a NATO ally. I will perform this task with patriotism. Greetings to the boys and women of the Armed Forces. You have shown that you have the ability, worthy of a NATO member. Today I bow before the military who lost their lives in our peacekeeping missions, we are with the allies, especially the United States", said Peleshi. 

Niko Peleshi further praised the work done by Mrs. Xhaçka at the head of the Ministry of Defense, adding that he will do everything to bring Albania closer to NATO and its strategic allies. 

"Albania will continue to be an exporter of security in the world. The Minister and her associates opened the Armed Forces Academy, a unique institution of higher education. I am aware that reality has started with NATO for Pashaliman. This issue will be followed up carefully. We will work for the European future of Albania ", declared Peleshi.