Albanian Defense Minister Mimi Kodheli said Wednesday that Albanian armed forces will this year be equipped with NATO standard weapons, the Albanian Telegraphic Agency reported Thursday.
"The government's program is composed of a wide range of challenges concerning the creation of military capabilities. One of the first and most strategic documents was that on the new armed forces structure, in response to the current realities we face," Kodheli was quoted as saying.
He said that the armed forces will be present on all the alliance's fronts and that the possibility of engagement in EU operations is being considered, if necessary.
"An EU candidate country undertakes responsibilities, for that precise reason from this moment and on, we are ready to take this responsibility," said Kodheli.