NATO leaders will meet in Vilnius on 11-12 July to discuss a wide range of topics, from divisions over Ukraine\u2019s membership bid to Sweden\u2019s accession to boosting ammunitions stockpiles and reviewing the first defense plans in decades.<\/p>\n
It will be the fourth NATO summit since Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, with the first held virtually on 25 February 2022, just one day after the assault, followed by meetings in Brussels and Madrid.<\/p>\n
Previewing the Vilnius Summit, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the meeting of Allied leaders \u201cwill send a clear message: NATO stands united, and Russia\u2019s aggression will not pay.\u201d<\/p>\n
These are expected to be the main points highlighted by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who will also be traveling to the Lithuanian capital, to reiterate the country\u2019s engagement towards NATO, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the need for peace in the Western Balkans region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking forward to the crucial Vilnius NATO summit. In Vilnius, we will reconfirm Albania\u2019s unwavering dedication to NATO, the security of our eastern flank allies, the just fight of the Ukrainian people, and the very need for stability and focus in the Western Balkans,\u201d wrote Rama on his Twitter account.<\/p>\n
As NATO allies have reached agreement to raise the alliance\u2019s target for military spending to at least 2% of national GDP, the Albanian premier also declared he has tasked the Ministry of Defense to reach this target.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the last decade, Albania has increased its defense spending from 1.35% to 1.76% of our GDP. However, at times like this, more is needed. Therefore, I have tasked the Ministry of Defense to reach the 2% target by 2024. Although we are not among the rich NATO members, we believe that the 2% target for is the floor, not the ceiling of our commitment,\u201d continued Rama.<\/p>\n
Stoltenberg had intended to make NATO\u2019s previous military spending target of 2% of national GDP a minimum requirement rather than a goal to aim for.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, in the Vilnius Summit Rama will also announce that \u201cif needed, Albania is ready to commit additional troops to strengthen NATO\u2019s forward presence. Together we are stronger and only together we can prevail in this very defining moment for what we believe in; for the sake of the generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWe are looking forward to the crucial Vilnius NATO summit. In Vilnius, we will reconfirm Albania's unwavering dedication to NATO, the security of our eastern flank allies, the just fight of the Ukrainian people, and the very need for stability and focus in the Western Balkans.\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/5oUWzuLUCr<\/a><\/p>\n
— Edi Rama (@ediramaal) July 8, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n