Vlore, Oriku ship launched at sea

14/09/2011 00:00

The maritime military forces have one more fast ship for patrolling the
Albanian waters. Oriku P132 launched today, in the presence of the
Defense Minister, Arben Imami, the Chief of the General Staff and the
head of the Albanian Marine Forces, Kudret Cela, who opened this
ceremony, together with the Dutch ambassador in Albania and other local
and central authorities.

Kudret Cela declared that the honor of launching the Oriku ship to sea, fruit of a two years work, was a very important event for the Albanian Marine. The full project that was managed with a Dutch company cost 31 million EUR, 65% of which were financed by the Albanian government and the rest by the Dutch government.

Frank Delong, representative of the Dutch “Damen Shipyard Compani” reminded the fruitful cooperation between both countries.

The Defense Minister, Arben Imami started his speech by congratulating Pashaliman workers and Dutch representatives for the good work. Imami declared that this is the second ship built in this shipyard and will be followed by two others that are currently under construction.

The Defense Minister also emphasized that the modernization of our army, after the NATO membership, is continuing with success. Imami also mentioned the purchase of the multifunctional helicopters for successfully handling emergency situations.

He specified that regardless the global crisis, the modernization budget of our army is 20 million EUR per year, and this year it will be realized at 100%. After the greetings, the Minister revealed the name of the ship Oriku, which honored the ancient Oriku in the Pashalimani base.

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