60th Anniversary of the General Staff Support Battalion, Minister Vengu: A command school of the Armed Forces

60th Anniversary of the General Staff Support Battalion, Minister Vengu: A command school of the Armed Forces

The General Staff Support Battalion of the Albanian Armed Forces celebrated its 60th anniversary with a solemn ceremony attended by senior state and military officials, including the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bajram Begaj, Defence Minister Pirro Vengu and Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji.

The ceremony honored the Battalion's invaluable contribution and its role throughout the transformation and development of the Albanian Armed Forces.

In his address, Defence Minister Pirro Vengu emphasized that this anniversary marks a milestone in the unit's history, one that has accompanied Albania through every stage of the Armed Forces' transformation and the country's state-building efforts, especially during the transition period.

"The 60th anniversary of the Support Battalion represents a particularly important milestone in the history of this unit, as it has accompanied Albania through all stages of modern history, from the transformation of the Armed Forces to the challenges of state-building during the transition years. Our goal is to reaffirm the Battalion's responsibility for safeguarding the capital and critical infrastructure. Another key aspect is that this Battalion has served as a command school within the Armed Forces, and it is no coincidence that many of today's senior leaders have come from its ranks. It represents the full spectrum of combat readiness and the embodiment of the state." - stated Minister Vengu.

The Minister thanked the commanders and personnel over the years for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices, underscoring that the modernization and strengthening of the unit remain a lasting priority.

In his remarks, the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Bajram Begaj, praised the commitment of the military and civilian personnel, describing the Battalion as an elite and modernized unit of the Armed Forces.

"This six-decade journey has been paved with sacrifice but crowned with dignity. Your achievements stem not only from training and discipline, but from adherence to the sacred trinity: duty, honor, and homeland. This principle has been the moral compass guiding every generation of soldiers and remains the foundation of the pride and trust within the Armed Forces. Like this Battalion, the Albanian Armed Forces have entered a new era, more modern in equipment and capability, and more respected within Albanian society." - said the Head of State, also highlighting Albania's growing role in international missions under NATO, the United Nations, and the European Union.

During the ceremony, the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Orges Shuraja, reaffirmed the unit's continued dedication to its mission. The event brought together generals, former commanders, and members of the unit who have contributed with honor throughout the years.