Defence Minister Ermal Nufi took part in the Forum on the Future of the North Atlantic 2026, held in Oslo, Norway. The forum is organised by the governments of the United Kingdom and Norway, with the participation of high-level political, military and defence industry representatives from allied countries.
Speaking aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, Minister Nufi stressed the importance of this meeting for strengthening cooperation among allies, particularly with regard to strategic points and communication bridges between Alliance actors on both sides of the Atlantic. On the sidelines of the Forum, Minister Nufi met with his Norwegian counterpart Tore O. Sandvik and the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign Office, Lord Wood of Anfield.
The focus was on the challenges to Euro-Atlantic security and the necessity for NATO to maintain its attention on all strategic directions. Throughout the meetings, Minister Nufi emphasised that Europe’s security does not end in the High North. “The Western Balkans, and Kosovo in particular, must remain on the Alliance’s agenda,” he said.
Among other things, Minister Nufi stated: “Kosovo’s integration into NATO is, in our view, a strategic necessity for strengthening regional stability, preventing conflicts and avoiding the risk of opening new fronts of insecurity in Europe. Because Euro-Atlantic security is indivisible. And a stronger NATO in the Balkans means a safer Europe.”
Albania’s participation in this forum reaffirms its commitment to be an active ally and contributor to NATO’s strategic discussions, as well as to expand cooperation with partners in the service of collective security and defence.