“Our ambition is not just to be NATO members” — 75 officers from Albania and Kosovo begin three professional courses

Seventy-five officers have begun the new academic year in three professional courses at the Defense and Security College, 65 of them from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania and 10 from the Kosovo Security Force.

At the courses’ opening ceremony, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi described professional military education as a direct investment in the future of the Armed Forces and in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.

“No military capability is stronger than the people who lead it, use it, and develop it. That is why investing in knowledge, professionalism, and leadership is one of the most important investments we can make for the security and defense of the Republic,” Minister Nufi said.

The minister hailed the participation of Kosovo officers in the programs as further evidence of strengthening Albania–Kosovo cooperation in defense and security.

According to him, in a fast-changing security environment — facing hybrid and asymmetric threats, technological developments, and cybersecurity challenges — the Armed Forces need leaders and officers who, beyond technical knowledge, can analyze, anticipate, cooperate, and make decisions in complex situations.

“Professional military education is not a process that ends with a course or a diploma; it is a direct part of building our defense capabilities,” Nufi stressed.

The Defense Minister also underlined the importance of consolidating the Defense and Security College as an elite institution of professional military education, serving the transformation of the Armed Forces, greater professionalism, and interoperability with allies.

In that direction, Nufi emphasized cooperation with allied and partner countries — through international lecturers and experts, exchanges of experience, and the adoption of best practices in hybrid threats, cyber defense, operational planning, leadership, and military transformation.

Another step in that direction is the preparation for the launch, in March of next year, of the Senior Course for Security and Defense, with growing participation from the region, NATO, and beyond.

“Our ambition is not simply to be part of the Alliance. Our ambition is to be an ever more capable, ever more prepared, and ever more contributing ally in collective security and shared challenges,” Minister Nufi declared.

Addressing the 75 cadets, the minister stressed that their responsibility goes beyond a study program, since professional preparation is directly tied to the ability to lead, make decisions, and be accountable in service of the country.

“In uniform, professionalism is responsibility; leadership is example; and knowledge attains its full value only when placed in service of the country,” Nufi said.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji; the commander of the Defense and Security College, Major General Altin Kurti; the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Albania, Skënder Durmishi; commanders, lecturers, instructors, and other guests.