Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, announced that Turkey will supply the country with a significant number of kamikaze drones, enhancing Albania’s military capabilities amidst rising regional tensions. During Erdogan’s visit to Tirana, the two leaders also inaugurated the Namazgah mosque and discussed strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced the provision of a significant number of kamikaze drones, a type of loitering munition, to Albania, as indicated by the Prime Minister, Edi Rama. During a press conference held in Tirana amidst Erdogan’s visit, Rama expressed that this gift from Turkey sends a compelling message regarding Albania’s defense capabilities, asserting, “It is a present that comes as a strong message from the Republic of Turkey that Albania is unhittable.” Although the exact details regarding the models and quantity of the drones have not been disclosed, Rama emphasized that this acquisition does not signify that Albania intends to engage in offensive actions against any nation. The decision for Albania to upgrade its military assets, including acquiring Turkish kamikaze drones, aligns with a broader trend among Western Balkan countries to modernize their military amid rising regional tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both Albania and Turkey are NATO members, and Albania has previously procured a fleet of Turkish-made Bayraktar reconnaissance and attack drones. Erdogan’s visit also included the inauguration of the Namazgah mosque, a Turkish-funded structure featuring 50-meter-high minarets, which is among the largest mosques in the Balkans. The mosque was constructed at an expense of approximately €30 million and was delayed in its inauguration due to concerns regarding potential influences over the establishment by a group deemed as a terrorist organization by Turkey. During his visit, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitment as a strategic partner for Albania, proposing an aim to double the annual bilateral trade to €2 billion. In addressing regional conflicts, Erdogan condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza as genocide, while Rama called for peace, condemning terrorism from groups such as Hamas. The significance of this visit highlights the strengthening ties between Turkey and Albania, both politically and economically, amidst evolving regional dynamics.
The provision of kamikaze drones to Albania by Turkey highlights a strategic military partnership between the two nations amid a broader context of military upgrades in the Western Balkans. Following the geopolitical shifts instigated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, countries in the region, including Albania, have sought to modernize their military capabilities to enhance national security. As NATO allies, both Albania and Turkey are involved in enhancing regional security cooperation, illustrated by Albania’s previous acquisitions of Turkish military technology. This partnership is further underscored by Turkey’s significant investment presence in Albania and cultural exchanges, evidenced by the inauguration of the Namazgah mosque. The mosque serves as both a religious and cultural symbol in Tirana, representing a deepening of ties between the two countries.
In conclusion, Albania’s acquisition of kamikaze drones from Turkey represents a significant enhancement of its military capabilities and a strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. The inauguration of the Namazgah mosque serves as a testament to the cultural and strategic partnership that exists, amidst a backdrop of regional security concerns and the ongoing need for military modernization among Western Balkan states. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in various sectors, particularly agriculture and education, which is crucial for the growth of their bilateral relationship.
Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com
