08.12.2014.
Improving cooperation in the field of defence with the Republic of Italy
During the regular bilateral defence consultations between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic in Italy, in Rome, December 4-6, 2014, it has been stated that cooperation in the field of defence is excellent.Head of the International Military Cooperation Department Colonel Milan Konjikovac stressed that the Republic of Serbia appreciates the continuous support of the Republic of Italy in the process of European integration process, because it is only via dialogue and cooperation, and integration of Western Balkan states within the European Union that achieving long-term stability in the region is possible. He restated gratitude for Italy’s selfless help during the disastrous and immemorial floods, and for the professional deployment of members of the Armed Forces within KFOR formation in Kosovo and Metohija.
Colonel Konjikovac expressed his belief that joint deployment in UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, which is the pinnacle of cooperation and trust between the two militaries, will further contribute to better understanding and trust on a global plan and confirm the strategic partnership in the future period.
Representative of the Military Policy and Planning Division of the Joint Staff of the Republic of Italy Counter admiral Roberto Chiamachela restated their readiness to transfer practices in the process of accession to EU and EU battle groups, cooperation with the European Defence Agency and from deployment in multinational operations.
During the bilateral defence consultations, reforms and challenges of functioning of the two defence systems in conditions of limited budgets have also been presented and opinions have been exchanged about the current geopolitical situation. Both sides have expressed their dedication to further intensify the cooperation in main fields in the next period and to perceive possibilities and modalities for improvements in the interest of the two defence systems.
Continuity of high-level meetings confirms mutual respect and dedication to significantly strengthen overall relations by improving cooperation in the field of defence. Both sides agreed that the recent meeting between the two heads of general staffs in Belgrade and the visit from the National Director for Arms of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Serbia will contribute to further concretization of established fields of cooperation and initiate cooperation in new fields.At the end of the talks, the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2015 was devised and signed.
During the visit, separate meetings were also held with Rear Admiral Massagli, Head of the Military Policy and Planning Division of the Joint Staff of the Republic of Italy, and with Operation Assistant at the Mixed Operative Command of the Joint Staff Major General Castellano.
