BELGRADE Serbia and NATO share an interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region, as well as enhancing partnerships and confidence-building, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dai and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Air Marshal Stuart Peach said yesterday, Beta and Danas report.

They expressed satisfaction with the dynamics of political dialogue at the highest and other levels, as well as practical cooperation in a number of areas within the Partnership for Peace program (PfP). During the meeting, the importance of completing the procedure for adoptinga new cycle of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) between Serbia and NATO was particularly emphasized.

Marshal Peach said that he was pleased with the level of partnership that had been achieved and emphasized that NATO was resolved and ready to improve it.

He emphasized NATOs commitment to further engagement in Kosovo through the KFOR Mission, in accordance with the mandate granted by UNSCR 1244, with a goal of providing a safe and secure environment for all residents of Kosovo. Peach also expressed readiness to further enhance the dialogue and cooperation between KFOR and NATO military structures with the Serbian Armed Forces.

Dai reiterated that Serbia is pursuing a policy of military neutrality and is striving to be a reliable and responsible partner in maintaining peace and security in the region, as a prerequisite for the progress of the region as a whole,Betareports.

Kosovo is a major political and security challenge for Serbia, said Dai, adding that it is important that the mandate of the KFOR mission is fully implemented, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military-Technical Agreement, and that the KFOR mission fulfill its role as the main guarantor of the preservation of peace and security in Kosovo, as well as the protection of the Serb population and its cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo.

He added that Serbia is committed to reaching a compromise and sustainable solution to the issue that would ensure lasting peace and stability throughout the region.

During the meeting, Serbias participation and contribution in the areas of counter-terrorism, emergency response in the event of natural and other disasters, as well as facing current regional and global security challenges and threats, was positively assessed, Beta reports.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilovi.

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Dai and Peach in favour of enhancing Serbia-NATO partnership - European Western Balkans