Kosovo’s Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci, has participated in the Berlin Security Conference, where he discussed security threats stemming from Russian interference and the importance of strengthening cooperation among allies and international partners.
According to a statement from Kosovo’s Ministry of Defence, Maqedonci was invited as a panellist at a high-level discussion entitled “Deterrence Through Vigilance: How to Counter Russian Interference?”, alongside senior representatives of NATO and Germany.
The discussions focused on threats arising from Russian interference and influence, current European security challenges, and the importance of cooperation among allies in maintaining peace and stability.
On the sidelines of the conference, Maqedonci also held several bilateral meetings with senior officials from the United States, Germany and NATO.
During a meeting with Major General Christian Nawrat, Deputy Chief of Staff for Integration at the US Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF), the discussions focused on the Ministry of Defence’s strategic priorities, its four-year strategic plan and the development of Kosovo’s comprehensive defence system.
Kosovo’s ambition to join the Adriatic Charter (A5) was also discussed, according to the ministry.
In a separate meeting with Florian Hahn, Minister of State at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the two officials discussed recent developments in the region, strengthening cooperation between Kosovo and Germany, and expanding their partnership in defence and the military industry.
Hahn reaffirmed Germany’s support for Kosovo’s integration processes and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the ministry said.
Maqedonci also met with Ambassador Detlef Wächter, Germany’s Permanent Representative to NATO, to discuss opportunities for expanding cooperation in the defence sector.
Particular attention was given to training, education and professional development opportunities for members of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) through NATO schools and courses, as well as support for Kosovo’s strategic objective of joining NATO.
Another key event during the visit was a graduation ceremony for KSF cadets held at the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Berlin.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the cadets successfully completed three-year programmes at German military academies, specialising in infantry, logistics, military IT and military police. They are now set to join the officer corps of the Kosovo Security Force.
The Ministry of Defence said the activities demonstrated the continuation of Kosovo’s strategic partnerships with Germany, the United States and NATO, as well as the country’s commitment to developing defence capabilities, strengthening regional security and advancing its Euro-Atlantic integration.
