Statement by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England After Meeting with Minister of Defense Gazmend Oketa Tirana, Albania (September 30, 2008)

Good morning. It is great to be here in this beautiful country and my many thanks to Minister Oketa and to his beautiful wife for their wonderful hospitality since my wife Dotty and I arrived yesterday.

The U.S. and Albania have been strong partners for many years and our countries share a commitment to furthering peace and prosperity across the Balkan region.

Today, Albanian military are supporting a number of UN Peacekeeping efforts and they are playing a critical role in Iraq and Afghanistan.

America is deeply grateful for your country’s many contributions and sacrifices. Our countries share the goal of furthering peace and prosperity in the region.

Albania received a formal invitation to join NATO this past April and we all look forward to your full partnership this coming April.

I am delighted that the U.S. Senate ratified Albania's accession to NATO just last week and, so, congratulations.

The U.S. stands firmly beside Albania and we look forward to strengthening the bonds of friendship between our countries in the years ahead.

And I want to thank the Minister for his friendship, his professionalism, and his great work in fostering good relationships between the U.S. and Albania and particularly between the Ministry of Defense and the Department of Defense in the U.S.

The Minister has become a very good friend of mine and I am delighted to be here visiting with him today. And again, I thank him for his hospitality.

Thank you very much.