Skopje, 13 May 2026 (MIA) - Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski, who is paying an official visit to the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF), explored deepening bilateral military cooperation at meetings at the highest military and state level in Tirana. 

According to the Army General Staff, as part of the visit, General Lafchiski met with the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, discussing the security situation in the region, allied cooperation, as well as common challenges in the modern security environment.  

The two underscored ongoing bilateral cooperation between the Army and the Albanian Armed Forces, particularly in the area of ​​joint training, exercises and participation in regional and NATO activities, as a significant contribution to regional and collective security.

After a high-level military reception at the Albanian General Staff of the Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence, General Lafchiski held separate meetings with his host, the Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, and with the Minister of Defence, Ermal Nufi.

The meeting between the Chiefs of General Staff focused on several areas, including boosting military cooperation through the implementation of joint activities, training and exercises, participation in international operations, current security challenges, as well as possibilities for using the capacities available to the two armies and mutual cooperation in dealing with crises.

General Lafchiski and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi also discussed deepening mutual military cooperation, as a significant factor for regional and collective security. 

"Talks highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two armies in strengthening stability and security in the region, as well as contribution within NATO. Interlocutors reaffirmed joint commitment to promoting bilateral military cooperation," reads the press release. 

The army delegation also visited the Special Operations Regiment of the Albanian Armed Forces, where they were briefed on the unit's mission, tasks and capabilities. In addition, the delegation attended a demonstration of operational capacities.  

"The Army has developed good bilateral cooperation with the Albanian Armed Forces, particularly in the area of military education, training and exercises, both bilaterally and within the Adriatic Charter, the Balkan Countries Chiefs of General Staff Forum and the SEDM process. The visit to the Albanian Armed Forces is an excellent opportunity to promote cooperation between the two armies," the press release reads. 

Photo: Army General Staff