Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia: Statement on the Dangerous Precedent in the Region

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia will send an urgent request to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Albania for a detailed explanation regarding the signing of the trilateral memorandum of cooperation in the field of defense. By taking steps that undermine regional stability, these two countries, together with the illegitimate representative of the provisional institutions of self-government in Priština, have initiated actions that pose a serious risk to peace and security in the region.

The Republic of Serbia, as a state that guarantees peace and military neutrality in the Balkans, has every right to seek answers regarding the nature and objectives of this security cooperation. It is particularly concerning that this military alliance is being formed without consultations with Belgrade, directly involving a structure that lacks international legitimacy and represents a security threat to the Serbian people and the entire region.

We will not overlook the clear political message conveyed by this initiative. It is evident that this memorandum is not the result of accidental cooperation, but rather a targeted strategy aimed at isolating Serbia and strengthening paramilitary structures in the southern Serbian province, in direct contradiction to international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

It is highly indicative that it is precisely two neighboring countries of Serbia – Croatia and Albania – that have decided to initiate this arrangement, and a call has also been extended to our third neighbor – Bulgaria – to join. If, as claimed, this agreement is not directed against anyone, we demand an explanation as to why Serbia has been excluded from any discussions on collective security in the region.

We particularly warn that unilateral armament and military cooperation with illegal structures in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija represents a direct blow to the international legal order and a threat to regional peace. Serbia will not accept this passively.

As a country that, despite its military neutrality, is active in the fight against terrorism and all modern security threats, Serbia was ready to consider cooperation in good faith with Croatia and Albania. However, this initiative, which is being carried out without Serbia but with Pristina, represents an open provocation and a gross disregard for the realities on the ground.

We expect an urgent response from Zagreb and Tirana regarding the true intentions and ultimate goals of this dangerous military-security maneuver. Serbia will not allow any unilateral actions that could jeopardize our territorial integrity, the security of our citizens, and peace in the region.