NATO summit in Tirana confirmed, Minister Nufi clarifies: Albania has not requested a postponement or virtual format

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has responded to an article published by POLITICO, clarifying his remarks about organizing the upcoming NATO Summit in Tirana.

According to Nufi, his words were taken out of context, creating the inaccurate impression that Albania may have proposed postponing the Summit or holding it online.

He stressed that his reference to a virtual meeting concerned only how the leaders of allied countries could discuss and set the date of the Summit. Meanwhile, preparations to host it in Tirana are already underway.

Full statement from Defense Minister Ermal Nufi:

“Regarding the article published today by POLITICO, I would like to clarify that my statement was presented out of context, creating a false impression of Albania’s position on organizing the upcoming NATO Summit in Tirana.

The upcoming NATO Summit will be held in Tirana, in accordance with the decision made by the Alliance. Albania has begun preparations to organize and host it.

In response to the journalist’s questions about the date of the Summit, I explained that setting it is the responsibility of the leaders of the allied countries. They can discuss and set the date in a virtual meeting, without needing to meet in person solely for this matter.

My reference to a virtual meeting concerned only the decision-making process for setting the date and was in no way related to holding the Summit itself online.

Once the Alliance has set the date and NATO has officially announced it, the date will be made public.

I want to make this clear: Albania has proposed neither postponing the NATO Summit nor holding it virtually. We are preparing to host it in Tirana, in accordance with the allies’ decision.

Any other interpretation of my statement does not reflect what I said or the official position of the Republic of Albania.”