Ministero della Difesa

​

Italy's attention is focused on the Western Balkans, their progress and stability, and our country will continue to be a proactive and reliable regional partner, as confirmed by Minister Elisabetta Trenta, during her two-day official visit in Serbia and Albania.

Yesterday, in Belgrade, she met with President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, and Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin.

The meetings were an opportunity for Elisabetta Trenta to reiterate Italy's firm support for the EU-membership track for Serbia and ongoing crucial reform process, which kicked off as part of the accession negotiations.

During talks with President Vucic, Minister Trenta expressed her support for the efforts made by Serbia to achieve a compromise solution with Pristina.

"My colleague Alexandar Vulin and I have discussed a number of themes of common interest: from strengthening bilateral cooperation to our joint participation in crucial international missions. We have also assessed existing opportunities to enhance our cooperation in the defence industry sector".  

Finally, the Minister has visited the Italian Military Cemetery, where she laid a wreath at the War Memorial.  

Today's leg of her trip has taken Minister Trenta to Tirana (Albania), where she has met with Prime Minister, Edi Rama and Minister of Defence Olta Xhaçka.

Bilateral talks with her Albanian counterpart focused on a number of themes: from reinforcing bilateral cooperation - in particular in the sector of education and training, exercises, military medicine- to joint participation in important international missions -  especially Afghanistan within the framework of Resolute Support Mission- to the military and political situation in the broader Balkans and the crucial role played by Albania in this regard.

"Moreover, we have shared our opinions on the crucial theme of NATO focusing its attention on challenges posed to the southern flank of the Alliance. In this regard, we have recently promoted important initiatives during our Brussel's meeting, which have determined important developments", Minister Trenta explained, reiterating Italy's support to the Albanian European track during today's meetings.

Furthermore, Ministers Trenta and Xhaçka had the opportunity to deepen their assessment of possible cooperation in the defence industry sector. Later on they opened the Workshop on Industrial Cooperation between Italy and Albania, attended by top industry representatives.