Starović: Regional cooperation is the best way to overcome problems

25. Mar 2022.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nemanja Starović led the delegation of Serbia at today's meeting of Political Directors at the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence of members and observers of the US–Adriatic Charter (A5) held in Budva.

In his address, the State Secretary pointed out that preservation of peace and stability in the region was of key importance for Serbia, emphasising that Serbia was committed to resolving all open issues through dialogue. State Secretary Starović noted the importance of regional cooperation and mentioned the Open Balkans initiative, which, as he stated, was the best way to overcome problems in the region.

The State Secretary conveyed that Serbia, as a neutral country, remains committed to the development of partnership cooperation with NATO in order to jointly contribute to the preservation of peace and stability in the region.

State Secretary Starović emphasised that the dialogue on the situation in Kosovo and Metohija was a particularly important segment of cooperation between Serbia and NATO, and expressed expectations that KFOR international forces would maintain a status-neutral and impartial position and proactive action in order to prevent any violation of the security situation.

The State Secretary expressed concern and deep regret over the events in Ukraine, conveying Serbia's readiness to provide all kinds of humanitarian aid to the endangered population.

The Serbian delegation was composed of Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Security Policy Dijana Ivančić and Acting Assistant Minister of Defense Predrag Bandić.

US–Adriatic Charter (A5) is a partnership charter between the United States, Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, BiH and Montenegro, and Serbia participates as an observer.