Since 1992 Albania has been extensively engaged with NATO and has maintained its position as a stability factor and a strong ally of United States and EU in the troubled and divided region of the Balkans.

In addition to the political will, according to Sali Berisha, the overwhelming majority of 95% of the Albanian population supported NATO membership.

[8] On 26 May 2022, Prime Minister Rama publicly offered NATO a naval base as an "added value" to the alliance "in these dangerous times", referring to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which the Albanian government has formally denounced.

[9] The Pashaliman naval base, located in Vlorë Bay 180 kilometers (110 miles) south of the capital Tirana, was built in the 1950s by the Soviet Union and had sheltered up to 12 submarines.

In the years following the end of the Cold War, it was neglected and looted before being renovated by Turkey; it is currently used by some military ships patrolling the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

The Associated Press reported that the offer was also intended to highlight Albania's contributions to NATO despite its small size.