Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Turkey will supply the country with a substantial number of kamikaze drones, marking a significant defense collaboration. This development follows increased military upgrades in the Western Balkans due to security concerns stemming from Russia’s actions in Ukraine. During Erdogan’s visit, the Namazgah mosque in Tirana was inaugurated, symbolizing deepening cultural ties, while both leaders addressed regional tensions, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
During a recent press conference, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will provide a significant number of kamikaze drones, although the exact type was not specified. Prime Minister Rama characterized this as a gesture reflecting Turkey’s strong support, stating that the drones convey a message that “Albania is unhittable.” Kamikaze drones, known as loitering munitions, are designed to navigate toward a target and detonate upon impact. Despite this acquisition, Rama emphasized that it does not indicate any intention for Albania to engage in aggressive actions against other nations. Albania, alongside other countries in the Western Balkans, is modernizing its military capabilities in response to regional security concerns heightened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both Albania and Turkey are NATO members, and Albania has previously procured Turkish-made Bayraktar drones for reconnaissance and attack purposes. In a broader scope, Erdogan’s visit also included the inauguration of the Namazgah mosque in Tirana, financed with Turkish funds, showcasing Turkey’s cultural investment in Albania. This mosque is one of the largest in the Balkans and has drawn attention for its architectural features, including 50-meter-high minarets and a central dome measuring 30 meters. Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, stating that trade between the two nations should aspire to reach €2 billion annually. Several agreements aimed at fostering cooperation in agriculture and education were signed during the visit. In discussions regarding regional geopolitical issues, President Erdogan condemned the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling it a “genocide” and advocating for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister Rama supported calls for ceasefire but stressed that groups such as Hamas should not be part of a peaceful resolution involving both Israel and Palestine. The mosque’s construction, initially commenced in 2015 with an investment of approximately €30 million by Turkey’s Diyanet, encountered delays owing to concerns regarding potential influence from organizations Turkey deems terrorist.
This article highlights the increasing military cooperation between Albania and Turkey, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Balkans. The provision of kamikaze drones is part of Albania’s efforts to modernize its military amidst changing security dynamics, particularly after the events following Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The Namazgah mosque’s inauguration represents Turkey’s cultural and diplomatic outreach in Albania, contributing to the historical ties between the two nations. Additionally, the discussions surrounding regional conflicts emphasize the collaborative stance of both nations on international issues, especially relating to Israel and Palestine.
In conclusion, the announcement regarding the acquisition of kamikaze drones from Turkey to Albania underscores a significant development in regional military dynamics and cooperation. The dual focus on military enhancement and cultural diplomacy, particularly through the inauguration of the Namazgah mosque, illustrates the multifaceted relationship between Albania and Turkey. Both leaders promoted their commitment to peace and cooperation in the region while addressing pressing international concerns.
Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com
