Vucevic meets with Turkish defence minister

BELGRADE - Serbian Deputy PM and Defence Minister Milos Vucevic met with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler in Belgrade on Wednesday.

"Besides topics that are substantial for bilateral military cooperation between the two states, I could also say the issue of security in Kosovo-Metohija was the predominant topic of our discussion. Assurances we received from Mr Guler regarding the security of the Serb community in Kosovo-Metohija are encouraging, given that the new Kfor commander is a Turkish general," Vucevic said, adding that Turkey had a great significance for the Western Balkans politically, economically and culturally, as well as in terms of security.

Vucevic said the meeting with Guler had addressed sensitive issues and cooperation with Kfor troops, the Serbian Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

"We touched upon the most sensitive issues and issues or areas we do not quite see eye to eye on, but friends always talk openly and sincerely. I am pleased with, I am not going to say promises or guarantees, but messages we received from Mr Guler about the issue of armament of the so-called "Kosovo Security Force", about the future and about the use of what is present on the ground, in the territory of Kosovo-Metohija," Vucevic noted.

He added that Belgrade strongly encouraged direct communication between the Serbian Armed Forces chief of general staff and the Kfor commander and insisted on Kfor troops being the only force present along the Kosovo-Metohija side of the administrative line between Kosovo-Metohija and central Serbia as well as on continuing joint SAF-Kfor patrols along the administrative line.

"I reiterated to Mr Guler that Serbia and Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija have no problem whatsoever with the presence of Kfor troops and that Kfor presence is reducing tensions and leads to de-escalation," Vucevic noted.

He said they had also discussed military-economic cooperation and cooperation between the military industries of the two countries.

Thanking for the hospitality, Guler conveyed the support and the regards of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said the meeting with Vucevic had been "comprehensive, positive and constructive."

He said the discussion had addressed the strong historical, cultural and interhuman ties and the very good relations with Serbia.

"We support peace, stability, territorial integrity and the Balkans' participation in international organisations and Serbia's accession to the EU," Guler was quoted as saying.

He said Turkey supported memberships in international organisations and noted that dialogue was the only way to preserve peace and stability in the region.

"Turkey will do everything for that to be continued. Our country, which has taken over command of Kfor, will continue to give priority to stability, security and public order in an unbiased manner," Guler noted.