The United States of America has announced that Albania has ratified and signed a $302 million loan agreement under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which aims to support the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. In the official announcement, the US Department of State emphasizes that the loan will help Albania fulfill the commitment adopted at the Hague summit to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035.
The US also values Albania as a NATO ally, emphasizing that it has been closely aligned with Washington on key foreign policy issues.
“The United States is proud to announce Albania’s ratification and signature of a new $302 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) loan, which will support Albania’s progress toward meeting the Defense Commitment to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense by 2035. The FMF loan will help modernize Albania’s armed forces by supporting the procurement of key U.S.-origin capabilities and strengthening Europe’s ability to lead its own defense. As a NATO ally, Albania has been closely aligned with the United States on critical foreign policy issues, including as a founding member of President Trump’s Peace Council,” the State Department said in a statement.
The Minister of Defense's reaction
The Minister of Defense, Ermal Nufi, also reacted to the State Department's announcement, saying that the US's strategic vote of confidence in Albania is a historic step in the modernization of Albanian defense.
"Gratitude to the United States of America for its unwavering strategic partnership and continued support in building a stronger defense for Albania, the region and beyond. This support will accelerate the modernization of our military capabilities, increase operational readiness and strengthen Albania's contribution to the collective security of the Alliance," Nufi wrote on Facebook.
