Press Releases
15.12.2020. - 15:25
Meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Italy
President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Italy Lorenzo Guerini, with whom he agreed that the two countries have stable, friendly bilateral relations and intensive cooperation in all crucial areas, following the established strategic partnership. They expressed the expectation that the circumstances will soon allow a new joint session of governments to be held.
President Vučić thanked the Italian soldiers who, within KFOR, have an essential role in maintaining peace and stability, as well as in protecting Serbs and other non-Albanian communities in Kosovo and Metohija. The President emphasised that their behaviour and actions, especially in preserving the Visoki Dečani monastery, gained the trust of the Serbian population. He also welcomed the professionalism of the Italian generals, who have been in command of the international security forces since 2013.
President Vučić expressed concern over the existing tensions in the region and said that the most important thing was to preserve peace and stability. Minister Guerini emphasised that Italy considered Serbia an essential country in the Western Balkans and welcomed the leadership of President Vučić and his role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. In this regard, he stressed the importance of the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština and reaffirmed Italy's commitment to continue to contribute to security by acting impartially within KFOR.
President Vučić assessed that the cooperation in the field of defence remains to be substantial and that Serbia and Italy are carrying out a large number of joint activities, highlighting the participation of Serbian soldiers in the UN Mission in Lebanon within the Italian contingent.
Minister Guerini said that Italy appreciates the participation of members of the Serbian army in UN and EU peacekeeping missions around the world. He also expressed Italy's support for Serbia's European integration process, hoping it would intensify.
President Vučić expressed gratitude for Italy's support for Serbia's European path, as well as satisfaction with the economic cooperation between the two countries, with the expectation that it could be increased in the coming years.
Minister Guerini conveyed the gratitude of the Government of Italy and Prime Minister Conte for the medical assistance that Serbia sent in the first phase of the fight against KOVID-19. President Vučić sent greetings to President Matarella and Prime Minister Conte and said that we very much appreciate the fact that Minister Guerini came to visit during the pandemic when such visits are rather rare.
VIDEO MATERIAL CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE FTP SERVER OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE.
Belgrade, 15th December 2020
