17-18 May 2007

General Ray Henault, Chairman of NATO's Miltiary Committee visited Albania in May 2007 General Ray Henault (centre) accompanied by the Albanian Chief of Defence, Major General Luan Hoxha to his right and Brigadier General Arian Saimi, Albanian Permanent Military Representative to NATO to his left, inspecting an Albanian Commando Unit. This was the Chairman's first official visit to Albania and he was warmly welcomed by their Chief of Defence, Major General Luan Hoxha, who gave him substantial briefings about the Albanian Armed Forces.  General Henault passed on NATO's appreciation for the Albanian contribution to NATO operations, specifically for their support to ISAF, saying:   "Your contribution to ISAF reaffirms your country's support to NATO and the growing need for the Alliance to deploy further and further afield to promote security and stability in order to guarantee safety at home.  It is clear from our discussions that Albania is working hard to realise its aspiration to join the NATO Alliance…"  General Henault also called on His Excellency Mr. Alfred Mosiu, President of Albania, and Mr. Sali Berisha, the Albanian Prime Minister.

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