On March 18, Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a declaration in Tirana, committing to strengthen cooperation in defense and security. This agreement has sparked significant reactions, including from Serbia, which has described it as an “open provocation” directed at Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed deep concern regarding the defense alliance reached by the three countries. In response, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that Croatia does not need to consult anyone about this matter, neither Serbia nor NATO.
This statement from the Croatian president triggered a reaction from the Serbian Embassy in Zagreb.
“We have carefully listened to and taken into account the statements of Prime Minister Plenković and other Croatian officials regarding the agreement between Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo. Understanding that every state has the sovereign right to make agreements in accordance with its foreign policy orientation, Serbia also has the right to express concern when such agreements directly impact our national interest.”
“Serbia consistently advocates for cooperation based on mutual respect, dialogue, and adherence to international law. If this agreement is truly ‘ordinary’ and ‘non-hostile,’ as Prime Minister Plenković claims, the logical question arises – why was Serbia not informed or consulted, given that this is a sensitive matter that also affects our territorial integrity?” stated the Serbian embassy on X platform.
Furthermore, similar to the statements from Serbian leaders, the Serbian embassy in Zagreb argued that the Kosovo-Albania-Croatia agreement “violates the spirit and intent of the 1996 Sub-regional Arms Control Agreement, which aims to preserve stability and security in the region.”
“Such an approach does not contribute to good neighborly relations or regional cooperation. Serbia does not seek conflicts – Serbia seeks transparency, accountability, and respect for international norms,” the embassy continued.
