According to the Albanian Defence Minister, Olta Xhacka who spoke to reporters on Tuesday, Albania want the United States to set up a military base on Albanian soil.
“I think we need to send a strong message: that the Western Balkans is a west-facing region, and that we share and must protect the same principles and values,” said Ms Xhacka on the occasion of a meeting at the Pentagon with U.S. Secretary of Defence, Jim Mattis.
“We believe it is time for the United States to establish their presence in Albania. The presence of the United States or NATO would be a very clear demonstration that the region is not forgotten by its allies,” the Albanian minister added.
Russia was one of the threats mentioned by the Albanian official; one that worries Tirana. “Russia”, Xhacka said, “tries to increase its influence and its destabilising actions, whether by its secret services, its investments (… or even its propaganda).” China, Iran and “even Turkey” are also concern the leadership of the country.
More specifically, she proposed a United States – Albania run base or an Adriatic Sea naval one under the NATO umbrella.