08.12.2021.
Meeting between Minister Stefanović and NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary-General
Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, met with Javier Colomina Píriz, the NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, during the latter’s visit to the Republic of Serbia.
At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Stefanović said that it is important for Serbia that a person from the friendly Kingdom of Spain has been assigned to an important position in the Alliance. He expressed satisfaction with frequent high-level meetings, which contribute to building trust and mutual understanding, which, along with practical cooperation in all areas of common interest, are the basis for developing our relations.
The Minister of Defence pointed out that the Republic of Serbia collaborates with all partners in an entirely transparent manner and that we are satisfied with the results achieved through participation in activities under the auspices of the Partnership for Peace Programme, which we consider optimum framework for achieving security goals and enhancing defence capabilities, while maintaining the proclaimed military neutrality.Stefanović expressed deep concern about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, particularly about the safety of the Serbian population, which is under constant threat from the temporary Pristina institutions’ unilateral moves.
He said that attempts to form the so-called Kosovo Armed Forces are unacceptable to Serbia and are definitely contrary to all international acts. He also said that we expect NATO to maintain its position of neutrality, and the KFOR, as the only legitimate armed formation in Kosovo and Metohija, to act in accordance with the assigned mandate, UNSCR 1244, and the Military Technical Agreement, and to provide security and safety for all residents of the southern Serbian province.Colomina Píriz stressed that Serbia is an esteemed NATO partner and a key country for the stability in the Western Balkans. He reiterated that NATO fully respects Serbia's military neutrality and that it is entirely up to Serbia to choose the nature of its partnership with the Alliance.
He praised Serbia for being NATO’s reliable and valuable partner for 15 years, through a partnership based on close political dialogue and practical cooperation.
"We enjoy good defence and security cooperation, including interoperability and strengthening the capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces, whose officers we highly appreciate for their professionalism and commitment," said Colomina Píriz.Speaking about the region, he informed Minister Stefanović that NATO ministers of foreign affairs had discussed stability and security in the Western Balkans at recent meetings in Riga.
"NATO will continue to play its role in promoting stability, security and cooperation, together with its partners, including your country, as Serbia plays a fundamental role in this regard, given its influence in the region," Colomina Píriz said.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY08.12.2021
mp4 (53,07 MB)The meeting
