NATO airbase in the Balkans will be in the city, which bore the name of Stalin
The first NATO air base in the Balkans will be built in Central Albania, is reported in Facebook Prime Minister EDI Rama.
BELGRADE, Aug 4 — RIA Novosti. According to the head of the Albanian government, the place of construction selected an old military airfield in the city of Sochi (from 1950 to 1990 — the city of Stalin).
“At the expense of the Alliance, in partnership with the government of Albania to NATO only in the first phase of the project modernization of the airport in Sochi will invest over 50 million euros,” wrote Rama on his page in the social network.
The Albanian Premier said that the project is expected to commence during the year. Rama also said that the base will “be used for NATO supply, logistics support, support aviamodelling police, training of personnel and exercises of the Alliance.”
“Sochi will also serve as the basis for the national air force. This strategic investment by NATO in Albania will set new standards in our armed forces,” — said Prime Minister of the country.
Albania is member of NATO since April 2009.