Gasic with Crosetto: Serbia appreciates the long-standing presence of the Italian Armed Forces in KFOR

Serbian Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic stated today during talks with Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto that, at the domestic level, the primary security threat is the “process of attempted secession of Kosovo and Metohija,” adding that Serbia appreciates the long-standing presence of members of the Italian Armed Forces in KFOR.

“At the domestic level, the main security threat is the process of attempted secession of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija,” Gasic said, emphasizing that the issue of security for all citizens in Kosovo, regardless of nationality or religious affiliation, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military-Technical Agreement, falls exclusively within the competence of KFOR.

“Serbia appreciates the continuous long-term presence of the Italian Armed Forces in the KFOR Mission,” Gasic noted, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

The meeting also addressed defence cooperation and the security situation in the region, while the interlocutors exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation and the conflict in the Middle East.

Gasic also emphasized that Serbia remains committed to military neutrality but will continue to develop and enhance relations with other countries and military-political alliances in line with its own interests, with the aim of strengthening global, regional, and national security.

The minister stated that defence cooperation with Italy is developing on the basis of mutual respect and that there is room for its further advancement in areas of shared interest.

He stressed that frequent high-level meetings are the result of intensive political dialogue and the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2009.

Gasic thanked Italy for its continued support for Serbia’s progress in the process of European integration, adding that for the Ministry of Defence this strategic commitment is operationalized primarily through contributions to missions and operations under the auspices of the EU, through which Serbia indirectly contributes to the establishment of a safer environment.

He also emphasized that the joint engagement in the UNIFIL mission represents the most significant form of cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, supported by mutual respect and trust, which are the fundamental prerequisites for the successful implementation of assigned tasks.

The Minister of Defence expressed gratitude for the participation of members of the Italian Armed Forces in the “Platinum Wolf” exercise at the Jug base and highlighted the importance of cooperation in the field of CBRN defence, particularly reflected in the participation of Italian military personnel in various courses at the CBRN Centre in Krusevac.

Italian Minister of Defence Crosetto thanked Gasic for the opportunity to discuss cooperation between the two countries and emphasized that Italy sees Serbia as an important partner in the region, noting that the two countries are linked by traditionally good and friendly relations.

He also conveyed the Italian side’s commitment to the substantive enhancement of bilateral military cooperation in the field of defence.