By Abdul Karimkhanov
Copyright trend
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 3. Minister of
Defense of Serbia Bratislav Gašić met with Admiral Stuart Munsch,
Commander of the Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC Naples), in
Belgrade, Trend
As a change of command at JFC Naples is due in November,
Minister Gašić thanked Admiral Munsch for his contribution to
maintaining high-level dialogue between Serbia and NATO over the
past three years. He emphasised that continued cooperation at all
levels is important for maintaining dialogue and strengthening
trust between the two sides.
The Minister of Defence said that Serbia remains committed to
cooperating with KFOR, the sole legitimate armed formation and the
guarantor of peace in Serbia’s Autonomous Province. He also
expressed his appreciation for Admiral Munsch’s influence in
maintaining a safe and secure environment and preventing potential
conflicts. He highlighted that the Republic of Serbia remains
committed to military neutrality, as well as to building good
relations with all interested parties. He added that Serbia will
continue the process of equipping and building its capacities and
capabilities outside the framework of military alliances.
Minister Gašić noted that Serbia remains a committed and
credible partner, determined to maintain an adequate level of
cooperation with NATO, within the Partnership for Peace programme
as a perfect framework for achieving security goals and enhancing
domestic defence capabilities.
The Commander of JFC Naples emphasised the importance of the
long-standing cooperation between NATO and Serbia within the
framework of the Partnership for Peace programme, while fully
respecting Serbia’s policy of military neutrality.
Admiral Munsch noted that the Western Balkans region is of
strategic importance for NATO, reaffirming NATO’s strong commitment
to regional stability, including through KFOR, which, in accordance
with its long-term mandate based on the United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1244, remains fully committed to maintaining a
safe and secure environment for all.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining direct and
transparent communication channels between NATO, KFOR, and the
Republic of Serbia’s state bodies.
