Kosovo Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci has reaffirmed the country’s strategic orientation toward membership in the European Union and NATO during a ministerial meeting of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) with Western Balkan partners in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia.
During the meeting, Maqedonci emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening security and stability, stressing that the security of Central Europe and the Western Balkans is closely interconnected.
He presented Kosovo’s progress in developing a professional and interoperable security force, as well as the country’s priorities for completing the transition of the Kosovo Security Force (FSK), strengthening national resilience and developing the defense industry.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Maqedonci held bilateral discussions with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna and Slovenian Defense Minister Valentin Hajdinjak.
His meeting with Zůna focused on opportunities to expand defense cooperation, particularly in the areas of defense industry, technology transfer, military training and education.
During his meeting with Hajdinjak, the Slovenian defense minister reaffirmed Slovenia’s support for Kosovo’s path toward EU and NATO membership.
Maqedonci briefed his Slovenian counterpart on Kosovo’s achievements in the defense sector, including the development of FSK capabilities and plans to further develop the country’s defense industry.
Hajdinjak expressed Slovenia’s readiness to deepen and expand bilateral defense cooperation and to continue contributing to security in Kosovo through Slovenia’s participation in the NATO-led KFOR mission.
According to the Kosovo Defense Ministry, Maqedonci’s participation in the CEDC ministerial meeting and his bilateral discussions with European counterparts reflect Kosovo’s efforts to strengthen international defense cooperation, advance strategic partnerships and contribute to regional and European security.
