16.09.2015.
Meeting of Ministers of Defence of Serbia and Italy
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic met in Rome with Minister of Defence of the Republic of Italy Roberta Pinotti, with whom he discussed the political and security situation in the world and the region and achievements and modalities of improving cooperation in the field of defence.Ministers Gasic and Pinotti expressed satisfaction that in the period of less than eight months they had met for the third time, with the willingness to maintain this positive trend in the future as well. In addition to the frequent meetings of high-level fostering friendly relations and strengthening confidence, which is positively reflected on defence cooperation, they especially emphasized their importance in times when Europe and the region are faced with the greatest migratory crisis in the last sixty years.
The constant influx of people from war-torn areas who seek refuge within the borders of Europe opens numerous economic, social, political and security issues, and Serbia and Italy are countries that are under tremendous pressure in this regard .
Minister Gasic assessed that bilateral relations between Serbia and Italy, formalized with the establishment of strategic partnership, are based on traditional friendship and mutual respect. Italy is an important and reliable political and strategic partner to Serbia, and the leading economic partner and investor.
The Republic of Serbia is determined to, in accordance with accepted principles of military neutrality, continuously improve and further develop the quality of relations in the field of defence with all the countries and international organizations.
He pointed out that the European integrations, in addition to preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty and regional cooperation, are the key foreign policy priority for Serbia and expressed appreciation for the commitment and active support of the Italian Republic on this path. Serbia appreciates the commitment and professional attitude of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Italy engaged in KFOR in maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo and Metohija.
Commenting on the current crisis and challenges, he pointed out that the Republic of Serbia, as well as other countries in the region and Europe, has been affected by unfavourable economic trends, and current security challenges and threats, but that it nevertheless seeks to share the burden and to contribute in limiting their impact, as a responsible member of the international community and a candidate for membership in the European Union.
Minister Pinotti congratulated Serbia on the progress achieved in the negotiations with Pristina, stating that the signing of the four agreements represents a major milestone in the dialogue and creates conditions for a safe and normal life for all citizens of Kosovo and Metohija.
Referring to the problem of migrants and refugees, she commended the government authorities and the Serbian people for expressed solidarity and hospitality towards migrants, and stressed that the humanitarian approach of Serbia should serve as an example to other countries.
Both sides agreed that the cooperation in the field of defence is excellent and that it follows in the overall bilateral relations. In addition to a large number of bilateral activities in various fields conducted annually, the pinnacle of cooperation is certainly the joint deployment in multinational operations, particularly the joint engagement in the UN mission UNIFIL in Lebanon.
Delegation of the Ministry of Defence also met with representatives of the defence industry "Finmecanica", with whom they discussed the future directions of improving the military economic cooperation, with the aim of raising it to the level of economic cooperation.
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