"Defender Europe 23", demonstration of the readiness of the USA for the protection of allies

Kosovo is the host of "Defender Europe 23", the largest international military exercise in which 25 NATO countries are participating with over 22 thousand troops. These military exercises by the Kosovar institutional leaders were appreciated, adding that this shows military capability against potential aggressors. In the opening ceremony, the large participation of the soldiers of the Security Force was highly appreciated. While representatives of the United States said the aim is to demonstrate that the US military is ready and willing to land equipment and troops and reassure allies and repel danger.

Pristina, May 21 - Soldiers and equipment of the Kosovo Security Force filled "Skënderbeu" and "Ibrahim Rugova" Squares in Pristina, Sunday afternoon, on the eve of the start of the largest international military exercise since May 22 to 2 June is held in Kosovo. The President of Kosovo, at the same time the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Vjosa Osmani, at the opening ceremony of this event, said that the period when these exercises are being held is of historical importance, as it marks the 24th anniversary of the NATO bombings against Yugoslavia. These military exercises, according to Osmani, deepen military interoperability and trust between the forces of Kosovo and its allies.

"'Defender 23' also coincides with the 24th anniversary of our liberation, which is as fresh as the memory of the US military intervention with the forces of other NATO allied countries against Milosevic's genocide against the people of Kosovo. We were the victims and Milosevic's regime was the aggressor and our fight was a fight for freedom, this is the only truth that we will defend every time and everywhere. Therefore today, as we see the KSF soldiers lined up in this square, I want to bring to everyone's attention the sacrifice of their ancestors, the daughters and sons of the KLA who made our freedom possible, protected and restored our dignity ", said Osmani.
In her speech, she emphasized the alliance with the US, while encouraging KSF soldiers to prove their skills and learn lessons during the exercises.

"I have full confidence in your professional skills and capacities and your level of strength, endurance and intensive preparations. Let this exercise serve as a testament to the power of cooperation, as a triumph of the human spirit and the indomitable will of soldiers like you. Let this be an indication of how strong our alliance with the USA is. Stay steadfast in your purpose, hold fast to your values, and return from this exercise with the pride of new experience and skills. Together we are always stronger with the allied forces", Osmani declared.

Jeffrey Hovenier, the ambassador of the USA, the country that leads these exercises, has emphasized that the goal of the USA is to demonstrate its readiness for the protection of allies and partners on the European continent.

"One of the goals of this exercise is to demonstrate that the US military is ready and willing to rapidly deploy combat-ready troops and equipment to secure allies from those who threaten peace and protect the European continent from aggression. But another goal of this exercise is to show the commitment to our allies and partners for the size, capabilities and interoperability of their own armies," said Hovenier.

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Moreover, he said that the USA supports the vision of Kosovo to become a contributor to security abroad - from an importer to a producer of security.

"The KSF has made Kosovars safer, removed more than 13 thousand mines and reacted in many actions. In the American Government, we are pleased to cooperate with the Government of Kosovo, with the Ministry of Defense and the KSF, until we advance further towards a multi-ethnic military force of territorial defense, as we intend. We want to achieve this goal. The common vision is clear - Kosovo will continue to be transferred from being a consumer and importer of security from the world forces, to a manufacturer and exporter of security, helping to provide greater security throughout the world," said Hovenier.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that in addition to the common defense system, Kosovo also pays attention to the system of democratic values.

"The KSF is the fourth in this exercise in terms of the number of participating soldiers. This testifies to the will we have to develop our defense system, but also our steadfast commitment to be part of the common defense system of countries that embrace democratic values. The security of the European continent is our vital interest, as a country that believes in what it loves - human rights, the rule of law, peace and democracy," said Kurti.

The Minister of Defense, Armend Mehaj, said that peace is the only way, while he confirmed that the journey and goal of the KSF is NATO membership.

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"Our destination is one and only: NATO membership. We will fulfill every task and every obligation that is required for us to become part of the big Euro-Atlantic family... In this exercise we will have participants from 25 countries with over 24 thousand participants. The Republic of Kosovo as the host country will have over 1300 military personnel, we will be the fourth country with the most military personnel that will be participating. Peace is our way. Peace is the only way. I wish you all success, prove that we are ready to be side by side with our partners whenever required by our alliance", said Mehaj.

Military troops of countries such as the USA, Albania, North Macedonia, Croatia and Turkey participate in the exercises being held in Kosovo. In Babaj i Boka in Gjakova and at the Airport of Gjakova, exercises such as those of rapid reaction will take place. "Defender Europe" are annual military exercises that this year last from April 22 to June 23, in various European countries, where 22.000 soldiers participate. Kosovo hosted this event last year as well. This year, it is among the seven countries where rapid response training is held, together with Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia and Slovenia. In the region of Gjakova, the exercises will take place from May 21 to June 2. According to the official website of the US Army, the purpose of this exercise organized by the sector of the United States Army for Europe and Africa is to increase the readiness and interoperability of US and allied troops in Europe and to affirm the American commitment to its allies.