Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug said on Thursday that Albania's membership to NATO was an important development for the security of the whole region, The Journal of Turkish Weekly reported.
Gen. Basbug, currently on a formal visit to Albania, met with Albanian Defense Minister Gazmend Oketa after being welcomed by a ceremony.
Gen. Basbug expressed determination of the Turkish Armed Forces to maintain close cooperation with the Albanian army.
Albanian Defense Minister Oketa expressed gratefulness for the support of Turkey to Albania's membership to NATO and its assistance to Albania on education and health.
Gen. Basbug will meet with Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha on Thursday and will be received by Albanian President Bamir Topi on Friday.