Albania accepts NATO membership invitation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-16 10:49

TIRANA -- Albania has formally accepted NATO's invitation to start talks on joining the alliance, hoping to become a full member in 2009, a statement from the country's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

"I have signed the official invitation letter on behalf of Albanian government, and I will sent it today (to NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer)," Foreign Minister Lulzim Basha said in the statement.

Albania, along with Croatia, was invited to join NATO at the alliance's summit in Romania earlier this month.

"The invitation is a milestone for Albania and its relationship with NATO, and it is one of the most important events in our history," Basha said.

Basha said NATO's invitation to Albania is a recognition by the alliance of the country's endeavors and achievements in the fields of required reforms, and contributions Albania had made to NATO-lead missions.

"I strongly believe that Albania will move ahead with new energies and efforts and fulfill our political and military commitments," Basha said.