Kosovo Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in defense, including military training, information sharing and defense industry development.
Maqedonci attended the international defense industry conference “EU 4 Defence Readiness – Road Map to Future” in Zadar, Croatia, at the invitation of Anušić. He also spoke on a panel dedicated to European security in the new geopolitical environment.
On the sidelines of the conference, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
They also discussed expanding the trilateral cooperation framework between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia, with the stated aim of keeping the initiative open to other countries in the region that share common values and interests.
According to Kosovo’s Ministry of Defense, the ministers agreed to advance cooperation in the defense industry, training and information exchange, as well as coordination in addressing hybrid threats.
Maqedonci Highlights Regional Security
During the conference panel, Maqedonci raised what he described as security threats stemming from Serbia’s “hegemonic approach” toward its neighbors. He also outlined Kosovo’s efforts to develop what he described as a comprehensive defense system involving state institutions and citizens.
Maqedonci emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and the development of the defense industry as elements of strengthening security and defense capabilities in the Western Balkans.
According to the ministry, closer cooperation between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia is intended to contribute to strengthening security and defense capacities across the region.
