Defense cooperation and regional security were at the center of talks held in Belgrade, where Bratislav Gašić met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who is currently on an official visit to Serbia, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed strengthening defense cooperation and reviewed the current security situation in the region, while also exchanging views on the broader geopolitical developments worldwide, including the conflict in the Middle East.
Gašić emphasized that defense cooperation between Serbia and Italy continues to develop based on mutual respect, noting that there is significant potential for further qualitative and quantitative expansion in areas of shared interest.
He also highlighted that frequent high-level meetings between the two countries reflect an intensive political dialogue, supported by the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2009.
According to the statement, Gašić pointed to internal security concerns related to what Serbia describes as attempts at the secession of Kosovo. He stressed that the security of all citizens in Kosovo, regardless of nationality or religion, falls under the mandate of the KFOR mission, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military-Technical Agreement.
Gašić also expressed appreciation for the long-standing presence of Italian Armed Forces within the KFOR mission, as well as Italy’s continued support for Serbia’s progress toward European integration.
The Serbian defense minister further underlined the importance of joint military training and cooperation, including the participation of Italian Armed Forces in the “Platinum Wolf” exercise at Base Jug and collaboration in the field of nuclear, biological, and chemical defense (ABHO) through training programs at the specialized center in Kruševac.
Meanwhile, Crosetto stated that Italy views Serbia as an important partner in the region, emphasizing that the two countries share traditionally strong and friendly relations and expressing Italy’s commitment to further advancing bilateral military cooperation.
