10.06.2014.

Minister of Defence meets the Ambassador of Italy

Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic spoke today with the Italian Ambassador in Belgrade Giuseppe Manzo, and used the occasion to thank him for the help the Italian Government had given Serbia during the recent floods. Minister referred the Italian Ambassador on the deployment of the Armed Forces of Serbia in flood relief and measures ahead in order to bring life in the flooded areas back to normal as soon as possible.

- Serbia is highly appreciative of Italy’s dedication to our country’s quick progress in the EU integrations and their help in finishing chapters of the negotiations with the EU would be of great importance – Minister Gasic said. He is convinced that, during Italy’s chairing EU, starting July this year, there will be an intensification of the EU integration process.

Minister Gasic pointed out that “the Republic of Serbia believes that KFOR is the only responsible security factor in Kosovo and Metohija and a partner of the Armed Forces of Serbia in securing the Administrative Boundary Line”. He expressed his gratitude for the professional dedication of members of the Armed Forces of Italy in the KFOR formations and underlined the good communication between the Italian soldiers and The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the Visoki Decani Monastery of the Patriarchate of Pec.

Defence Minister pointed out his concern for the wellbeing of the Serbian citizens after the adoption of the Strategic Security Sector Review by the temporary institutions in Pristina, through which conditions are created for transforming Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) into so-called Kosovo Armed Forces (KAF).

During the meeting, it has been concluded that the traditionally good diplomatic relations are reflected in the quality of cooperation in the field of defence. During this year, 21 joint activities are planned. What is particularly important is the domain of military education – since 2005, 59 members of the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces of Serbia have been a part of the military educational system in Italy. Also, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia is interested in establishing cooperation between our CBRN Center and the Interdepratmental School of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Protection of the Armed Forces of Italy and in mutual participation in multinational operations of the EU and the United Nations.