Press Releases

Albania to Receive Assistance from Two U.S. Global Military Support Programs (July 7, 2005)

The United States Government recently authorized two worldwide military programs, the U.S. Coalition Solidarity Fund (CSF) and President Bush’s Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative (GPOI), to recognize the contributions of our coalition allies in the global war on terror and global peacekeeping.

One of eighteen countries to be recognized under the CSF program, Albania will receive $6 million for the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF) for military equipment and training.

Other countries in the region to receive funding include Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Macedonia and Hungary. The assistance was approved as part of President Bush’s emergency wartime supplemental request for coalition allies that have supported military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Another worldwide program, the GPOI is designed to help U.S. allies build a robust peacekeeping capability with coalition partners to meet future peacekeeping needs. Two million dollars was approved to support the Albanian military as it trains for peacekeeping operations.

The assistance will be managed through the U.S. Embassy’s Office of DefenseCooperation. The U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation provides assistance in defensereform, training, equipment, and humanitarian aid. These programs are designed to helpthe AAF build capabilities for its own defense, work together with the United States military and NATO, and strengthen U.S.-Albanian friendship.