14 years since Albania joined NATO

Today marks the 14th anniversary of Albania’s accession into the NATO. The president of the country, Bajram Begaj has posted a message on social media by saying he’s proud that Albania is part of the most powerful and successful alliance in the world.

Fourteen years of Albania in NATO! Proud to be part of the world's most powerful and successful alliance! Proud to be a contributor to peace and security!” Begaj wrote on social media.

The US embassy to Albania has also issued a statement in which it says Albania has since been an active contributor to collective defense efforts and regional stability.

“Today marks 14 years since Albania joined NATO on April 1, 2009. Albania has since been an active contributor to collective defense efforts and regional stability. As a crucial member of NATO, Albania has demonstrated its commitment to promoting peace and security and played a vital role in supporting NATO-led missions and operations. As a proud ally and partner, the United States values our strong partnership with Albania and looks forward to continuing to work together toward our shared goals of a more secure and prosperous future,” the statement reads.

The accession of Albania to NATO took place in 2009. Albania's relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began in 1992 when it joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. In 1994, it entered NATO's Partnership for Peace, which began Albania's process of accession into the alliance. In 1999, the country received a Membership Action Plan (MAP). The country received an invitation to join at the 2008 Bucharest Summit and became a full member on April 1, 2009.

Albania was among the first Eastern European countries to join the Partnership for Peace programme. Albanian politicians considered admission to NATO a top priority. Since 1992 Albania has been extensively engaged with NATO and has maintained its position as a stability factor and a strong ally of United States and EU in the troubled and divided region of the Balkans. In addition to the political will, the overwhelming majority of 95% of the Albanian population supported NATO membership.