The Croatian Ministry of Defense has published the contents of the Declaration signed on March 18 in Tirana by the defense ministers of Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo.
They say that the declaration on cooperation between the three countries is aimed at stability and security in Southeast Europe, support for the Euro-Atlantic path, and strengthening cooperation and alliance between the three friendly states.
"We emphasize the importance of joint efforts in responding to security and hybrid threats and other risks that can undermine regional, European and international security. Measures should be taken to develop defense capabilities using NATO's strategic concepts and the European Union's plan created to increase the ability to defend our territories and people and contribute to international peace and security," the statement reads.
What does the document say?
Media in Croatia also reported the full text of the declaration:
"Joint Declaration following the meeting between the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo, held in Tirana, Albania, on March 18, 2025.
Recognizing the strong and enduring relations between the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kosovo, based on shared values, strategic orientations and mutual commitments to regional security and cooperation.
Confirming the intention to strengthen trilateral security and defense cooperation to improve security and stability in South-Eastern Europe and the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Stressing the importance of joint efforts in responding to new security challenges, hybrid threats and other risks that may threaten regional, European and international stability.
Taking immediate measures to develop defense capabilities, recognizing the goals stemming from NATO's Strategic Concept and the European Union's Strategic Compass, with the aim of strengthening our ability to protect our territories and citizens and contribute to international peace and security.
Advancing joint steps to strengthen defense industrial cooperation and production in line with NATO's pledge of industrial expansion and the European Union's ReArm Europe plan.
We are determined to ensure readiness to face current and future threats and achieve our defense and security goals.
We, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo hereby declare the following:
Promoting defense capabilities and industrial cooperation:
By exploring opportunities to develop and acquire defense capabilities through multinational solutions to increase the readiness of our military forces;
Identified areas of defense industrial cooperation through better access to resources and supply chains to create a competitive and resilient defense industry;
Increased investments in new technologies and innovations to accelerate and ensure a unified approach to security and defense transformation.
Improving interoperability through education, training and exercises:
By sharing expertise and best practices in recruiting, developing and retaining qualified personnel, including sharing reserve force concepts, to strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities;
By improving individual and collective educational and training opportunities through appropriate military academies and higher military schools, in order to increase strategic understanding of common threats and challenges;
Strengthening bilateral and/or trilateral exercises to improve interoperability, in line with NATO and EU training and exercise policies, to ensure adequate force readiness.
Countering hybrid threats and strengthening resilience:
Strengthening joint measures against hybrid threats, including cyber threats, disinformation campaigns and harmful foreign influence that can jeopardize national and regional security;
By exchanging information and intelligence for strategic and operational situational awareness and coordination among defense institutions to prevent, detect and effectively respond to the challenges facing our countries;
By exploring options for responding to a wide range of potential threats to critical infrastructure and communication networks and by supporting cohesion and mutual assistance.
Providing support for Euro-Atlantic integration:
By harmonizing policies and positions in Euro-Atlantic multilateral security and defense institutions to advance national and common regional interests and goals;
Committing to closer cooperation and coordination for the full integration of Kosovo into regional security and defense initiatives;
By supporting Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic perspective through advocacy for its status in NATO's Partnership for Peace.
This Joint Declaration is drawn up in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and mutual trust. It reflects the common strategic visions of the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kosovo. It does not create any new international or intergovernmental legal obligations between the States, nor does it affect existing obligations with other States.
Signed in Tirana, 18 March 2025.
For the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania, Piro Vengu, Minister of Defense
For the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, Ivan Anušić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense
For the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo, Ejup Macedonci, Minister of Defense.
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