TIRANA - Albanian President Alfred Moisiu received on Thursday Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul in Albanian capital Tirana.
Moisiu stressed traditional and historical ties between two countries, and said that Turkey had always supported Albania.
Cooperation between Turkish and Albanian armed forces was very beneficial, Moisiu said.
Moisiu noted that two countries put into practice many projects, and stated that his country expected that positive results would be obtained about Albania's efforts to join NATO at the NATO summit to be held in Istanbul at the end of June.
Noting that Turkey supported Albania's NATO membership, Moisiu thanked Turkey for approving efforts of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia on the road to NATO membership.
Gonul, in his part, said that Turkey would support Albania's accession to not only NATO, but also to European Union (EU) institutions.
Expressing assurance that NATO would give positive signals for Albania at its Istanbul summit, Gonul said that Turkish Armed Forces would continue to extend assistance to Albanian armed forces.
Gonul said that two countries would continue their cooperation in defense industry.
Noting that Albania was a factor of peace and stability in the Balkans, Gonul said that they evaluated the role of Albania in the Balkans.
Turkish National Defense Minister Gonul, who went to Albania on Wednesday, had met with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano and Defense Minister Pandeli Majko.
(BRC-AÖ) 10.06.2004