Albanian Speaker of Parliament, Gramoz Ruçi, has described as a historic date April 1, which marks the 12th anniversary of Albania's NATO membership. 

While talking about how Albania achieved this great step, Ruci didn't forget to express gratitude to the US and EU for their strong support to Albania's Euro-Atlantic journey.

"Today is a historic date in Albania's Euro-Atlantic journey. Following the completion of the ratification of the membership protocol by all member states and the deposit of the instrument of NATO accession with the US Department of State, Albania formally joined NATO on April 1, 2009. Albania participated for the first time as a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at the Strasbourg / Kehl summit on April 4, 2009. 

On April 7, 2009, in Brussels, the official ceremony of raising the flag of Albania in NATO took place. NATO membership was the culmination of Albania's achievements and contributions to security, stability and peace. During these 12 years, Albania has been tested as a worthy member of the Alliance and has contributed to its missions in aid of peace and security in some regions of the planet. 

Albania, with its Euro-Atlantic roots, culture and aspirations, arrived 12 years ago at one of its western stations, that of security and peace. Today we are at the gates of the EU, the station of development and welfare, and ready for the opening of negotiations. Upon arrival at this station, Albania and the Albanians end the asymmetric position between our European identity, our Euro-Atlantic position and which are being continued and complemented by joining the European family and a full return to European political habitat. 

Albania in NATO and at the gates of the EU are the merits of all Albanians. But today is the opportunity to express our gratitude for the strong support of our strategic partners, the United States and the European Union, for the strong support of our Euro-Atlantic journey," wrote in his message the Speaker of the Assembly, Gramoz Ruçi.