Gasic, US charge d'affaires discuss bilateral defence cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met with US Charge d'Affaires Alexander Titolo on Monday to discuss advancement of defence cooperation and preparations for upcoming bilateral defence consultations between Serbia and the US.

The parties exchanged views on the current security situation in Serbia and the region, the MoD said in a statement.

Gasic noted that participation of the so-called Kosovo Security Force in an international exercise organised by the US armed forces in Serbia's Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija was a violation of UNSCR 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement and was causing great concern in Serbia.

Under UNSCR 1244, KFOR is the only legitimate armed formation in Kosovo-Metohija and represents a guarantee of security for all citizens in the southern province, Gasic noted.

He also said Serbia's long-term strategic commitment was to maintain the status of military neutrality and that the country remained fully committed to promoting peace and dialogue, as well as to preservation of stability in the region.

Gasic said Serbia was also open to advancement of cooperation with all relevant actors in international relations, security and defence.

He said he was especially pleased with a stable upward trajectory of bilateral defence cooperation with the US.

Titolo said the cooperation with Serbia was successful and that the two countries remained committed to deepening the security and defence partnership.

He noted that the US respected Serbia's military neutrality and confirmed that open communication needed to be maintained.