06.03.2026.
Minister Gašić meets with JFC Naples Commander Admiral Wikoff
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić met with the Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Admiral George Wikoff, in Belgrade today.
At the start of the meeting, Minister Gašić expressed his satisfaction at their first meeting, emphasizing the importance of fostering continuous dialogue between the Republic of Serbia and NATO at all levels on all matters of mutual interest, thereby building trust and mutual understanding.The Minister of Defence said that Serbia remains committed to military neutrality, as well as to building relations with all interested parties, and highlighted Serbia’s sustained effort to equip and strengthen its own capabilities outside the framework of military alliances, while simultaneously maintaining cooperation with all relevant international stakeholders.
He emphasized that the Republic of Serbia, in line with its own interests, remains a committed and credible partner and a guarantor of security, committed to maintaining an appropriate level of cooperation under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Programme. The Minister of Defence stressed that preserving stability at the domestic and regional levels, while sustaining economic growth and development, remains Serbia’s top priority.During the meeting, Minister Gašić expressed his gratitude for the support provided by JFC Naples in the sphere of training through the Operational Capabilities Concept and the engagement of Mobile Training Teams. He noted that participation in exercises is the most comprehensive way to assess collective readiness, while also providing a basis for Serbian Armed Forces’ interoperability with partner forces, with the aim of further enhancing operational and functional capabilities and meeting the standards required for participation in multinational operations.
In the context of the current situation in Serbia’s southern province - Kosovo and Metohija, the Minister of Defence concluded by emphasizing that the actions of the Republic of Serbia are the result of a prudent and responsible policy aimed at preserving dialogue and peace.Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of JFC Naples, underlined the importance of the long-standing cooperation between NATO and Serbia under the Partnership for Peace Programme, while fully respecting Serbia’s policy of military neutrality. He also stressed that the Western Balkans is a region of strategic importance for NATO and reaffirmed NATO’s strong commitment to maintaining stability in the region, including through KFOR, which, in line with its mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999), remains fully committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all. Admiral Wikoff also highlighted the importance of maintaining direct and transparent channels of communication between NATO, KFOR, and the state bodies of the Republic of Serbia, noting in particular the significance of the contacts between the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff and the KFOR Commander, as well as with him personally.
