Croatia supports Albania’s European integration and both countries share the responsibility for stability in Southeast Europe, Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said during a visit to Albania on Thursday.

Krstičević met with the Albanian President Ilir Meta in Tirana and said Croatia was  willing to assist Albania, particularly in the areas of common security and defence policy.

“Croatia and Albania nurture friendly relations, joint interests, and the responsibility for stability in Southeast Europe. Croatia is willing to share its experience and support Albania on its Euro-Atlantic path,” Krstičević said.

Within the framework of the US – Adriatic Charter, Croatian and Albanian troops are successfully cooperating in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission which provides training and assistance to Afghan security forces.

“Croatia will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union – for the first time – in the first half of 2020, and our priority will be to fight against hybrid and cyber threats, maintain strategic communication, and strengthen the capacity and resilience of our partners. Geographically, our priority is Southeast Europe,” Krstičević said.

President Meta said he supported the continuation of bilateral cooperation and thanked Croatia for its contribution to NATO’s peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

“Croatia is traditionally a friend and partner to Albania, and I believe the two countries will further deepen their cooperation,” Meta said.