Albania, Italy sign defense deal to produce military ships

Albanian Defense Minister Piro Vengu signed a defense cooperation agreement with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, in Rome.

He told Albanian media that Albania and Italy will cooperate to produce seven military ships at the former Pashaliman military base near the coastal city of Vlora, CE Report quotes MIA.

“Of the 16 agreements signed today by the governments of the two countries, eight are in defense, the military industry, and civil protection. We have the first agreement in three decades, renewing our military partnership with Italy for the first time for many reasons. Within NATO, regarding the military industry, we aim to be a focal point for both sides of the Adriatic coast,” he said.

Vengu emphasized that “a significant achievement is the signing of a major agreement between the Albanian state company KAYO and the Italian Fincantieri for the production of military ships.”

“Our state company KAYO, which is responsible for the production, demilitarization, and trade of weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and technologies, under an agreement with the Italian company Fincantieri, will produce seven military ships. Another agreement was signed between KAYO and the Italian company Leonardo, which specializes in military technology and cyber defense,” he noted.

According to him, Italy will also assist Albania in improving the capabilities of its Civil Protection services.