Maqedonci in Slovenia: Kosovo aims to join NATO and the EU

The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kosovo, Ejup Maqedonci, took part in the ministerial meeting of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) with Western Balkan partner countries. The meeting was held in Brdo near Kranj, Slovenia.

During the discussions, Maqedonci stressed that Kosovo has clearly defined its strategic orientation towards the European Union and NATO. He also said that cooperation among the countries of the region is important for enhancing security and maintaining stability.

The Kosovar minister underlined that security in Central Europe and the Western Balkans is closely interconnected. In his address, he presented Kosovo’s progress in creating a professional force capable of interoperating with its partners, while listing the completion of the transition of the Kosovo Security Force, the strengthening of national resilience and the development of the defence industry as priorities.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Maqedonci held bilateral talks with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, Jaromir Zuna, as well as with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Valentin Hajdinjak.

During the meeting with Jaromir Zuna, the parties discussed opportunities to expand defence cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the defence industry, technology transfer, training and military education.

With his Slovenian counterpart, Valentin Hajdinjak, Minister Maqedonci discussed the support Slovenia provides to Kosovo in its process towards membership of the European Union and NATO.

Maqedonci also briefed Hajdinjak on the results achieved by the Republic of Kosovo in the defence sector, including the expansion of the Kosovo Security Force’s capabilities and plans to develop the defence industry.

Minister Hajdinjak expressed Slovenia’s readiness to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in the field of defence. He also stated that Slovenia would continue to contribute to Kosovo’s security through its participation in the KFOR mission.

Kosovo’s participation in the CEDC ministerial meeting and its talks with European partners reflect its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in defence, advancing strategic partnerships and contributing to regional and European security.