15.11.2021.

Minister Stefanović at 101st NATO PA Rose-Roth Seminar

Addressing the participants in the 101st NATO Parliamentary Assembly Rose-Roth Seminar at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD pointed out that Serbia is quite satisfied with the results achieved through participation in the Partnership for Peace programme and that this cooperation framework is ideal for us, because we have no aspirations for full membership in the Alliance.

Speaking about security in our region, Minister Stefanović praised the cooperation with KFOR and requested it to use all its authority to promptly prevent any reckless, illegitimate or violent action of Pristina’s so-called security forces against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.

- We deeply appreciate the cooperation with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, we are actively involved in it and it as a really important part of our overall cooperation with NATO, which is intensive on many levels, especially at the level of our parliamentarians. It has been exactly 15 years since the Republic of Serbia joined and became a member of the Partnership for Peace programme. We are satisfied with the results of this form of cooperation, because we have achieved our interests regarding the preservation of security and stability in the region we live in, as well as the reform and improvement of our defence system, to which we are firmly committed. I am convinced that our partners are satisfied with the participation of the Republic of Serbia in this programme, given our active participation at the international level, primarily in United Nations peacekeeping operations - said Minister Stefanović.

“A high degree of agreement with our partners in the Partnership for Peace programme“

He stated that the Partnership for Peace is a good example of an integrative framework in which the Republic of Serbia has a high degree of agreement with its partners concerning its place and role, as well as looking after common interests such as ensuring collective security, high level of cooperation and the directions of future cooperation.

- We believe that this cooperation framework in the Partnership for Peace is ideal, when it comes to our overall cooperation with NATO, because we have no aspirations for full membership in the Alliance. This position of the Republic of Serbia is the result of our strategic commitment to neutrality, but also of our openness and readiness to cooperate and make a joint effort to address all modern security challenges and constantly improve our ability to maintain peace and stability throughout our region - Minister Stefanović pointed out.

“We are proud of the continuous modernization of our armed forces"

The Republic of Serbia is committed to the continuous improvement of its defence system, and that is one of the foundations of its overall national policy, the Minister of Defence emphasized.

- We are deeply convinced that the continuous improvement of our defence capabilities and resources is our inalienable right, and more importantly - it is our obligation to preserve our sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of our citizens. This position of the Republic of Serbia, given its active cooperation within the Partnership for Peace programme and the United Nations and other international security initiatives, guarantees the preservation of peace and stability not only in the national, but also in the regional framework. Also, we are proud of the continuous modernization of our armed forces and improvement of all our defence capabilities, because in that way we show a sense of responsibility towards preserving national and collective security and stability, like all other responsible and democratic countries - Minister Stefanović pointed out.

According to him, our membership in the Partnership for Peace programme, as well as our developed bilateral defence cooperation with all its members and NATO members, certainly plays an important role in fulfilling this strategic commitment.

- We are all aware of the fact that the region we belong to still faces a number of security challenges and threats and there is no way to respond to them effectively without continuous and systematic improvement of our defence system and active cooperation with our partners. Without modern armed forces and without a commitment to stability and peace in its environment, Serbia would not be able to carry out that task. Our partners in the Partnership for Peace programme know this very well, and that is why we appreciate their support for our continuous enhancement of defence resources - said Minister Stefanović.

According to him, we have been able to demonstrate our capabilities in numerous situations, which have threatened the security of our country and our environment, but also wider Europe.

- I will only mention our involvement in natural disaster response and recovery and participation of members of the Serbian Armed Forces in peacekeeping missions around the world. Also, there is our contribution to managing the migrant crisis, but also to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and countering global security challenges, the consequences of which we are still suffering, but we are actively participating in solving them. Unfortunately, our region is still an area with specific security challenges and the Republic of Serbia is fully focused on finding a permanent solution to them. I think primarily of the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, where we are making huge political and diplomatic efforts, because we believe that this is the only way to reach a compromise and establish lasting peace, stability and better prospects for both Serbs and Albanians - said Minister Stefanović.

"KFOR to use all its authority to prevent Pristina’s illegitimate and violent actions in a timely manner"

He added that the response of Pristina’s interim institutions to the commitment of the Republic of Serbia is inadequate and their behaviour and decisions often pose a genuine threat to security not only in our southern province, but in the entire region. - The victims of such adventurous behaviour are primarily Serbs who live in our southern province and who cannot but fear for their safety and the safety of their families and their property. The Pristina authorities are the only factor creating constant tension among the Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija, taking actions that are in breach of all international decisions and agreements, thus threatening the larger security picture at the regional level. I will take this opportunity to support KFOR and to praise our cooperation, as well as all its activities in the field, but at the same time to once again ask KFOR to use all its authority to promptly prevent any reckless, illegitimate or violent action of Pristina’s so-called security forces against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija - said Stefanović.

The Minister once again expressed Serbia's readiness to continue cooperation within the Partnership for Peace programme, expressing our belief that this cooperation is in our best interest, but also in the interest of the overall security in this part of Europe.

- As far as the Republic of Serbia is concerned, I assure you that Serbia will continue to be a reliable partner within this programme and that it will pursue common objectives, in compliance with its obligations, such as preserving collective security and responding to all challenges we are facing together - said Minister Stefanović.