First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic and Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic met today with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to Belgrade.

It was assessed at the meeting that the NATO Secretary General's visit to Serbia was of the utmost importance for both sides and that it represented a significant step forward in the relations between the Republic of Serbia and NATO.
Ministers Dacic and Gasic expressed their satisfaction at the NATO's decision to fully relax the air security zone, as proof of the partner relations between the Republic of Serbia and NATO, as well as confirmation of the excellent cooperation between the Serbian Armed Forces and KFOR.

During the meeting, further improvement of cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and NATO through the Partnership for Peace programme, current situation in Kosovo and Metohija, regional cooperation and security challenges were discussed.

Minister Dacic emphasized that the Republic of Serbia saw opportunities for further enhancement of its cooperation with NATO within the available PfP mechanisms, in accordance with its military neutrality policy, as well as Serbia's decision to contribute to the reinforcement of regional and global security.

Ministers Dacic and Gasic specifically pointed out the importance of undiminished KFOR presence in Kosovo and Metohija and NATO's guarantees pertaining to the presence of the so-called Kosovo Security Force in northern Kosovo and Metohija, as well as preservation of Serbian cultural and religious heritage.

Minister Dacic apprised the NATO Secretary General of accomplishments of the Serbian OSCE Chairmanship, whereas Minister Gasic informed him of the results achieved by military cooperation with the Alliance and Serbia's participation in and plans for future engagements in UN and EU multinational operations.

It was mutually agreed that terrorism poses a significant threat to the whole world and that it is necessary to additionally engage all international actors with a view to suppressing this phenomenon.