ITALIAN MINISTER OF DEFENCE VISITS KFOR AND MEETS KOSOVO AUTHORITIES

PRISTINA, Kosovo. Today, the Italian Minister of Defence, Mrs. Roberta Pinotti visited the Italian KFOR contingent in Pristina.

Minister Pinotti was welcomed to KFOR HQ, Camp "Film City”, by Major General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta. Minister Pinotti was briefed on the operational and security situation, in Kosovo.

General Miglietta underlined the positive and close cooperation that KFOR has with Kosovo Police, EULEX, and with all the other international and local organizations, working towards maintaining a Safe and Secure Environment and Freedom of Movement throughout Kosovo.

During the visit, the Italian Minister of Defence met important political representatives of Kosovo including President Hashim Thaci and the Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. The Minister confirmed Italy's commitment in the Balkans, as a contributor to the international community's efforts for stability and security in the region. During the meetings the issue of possible future collaborations between Italy and Kosovo on defence and security matters were discussed.

Local political authorities expressed their appreciation to the Italian Minister for the significant contribution made by successive Italian contingents. Italy is one of the most important contributors of troops to KFOR since 1999, and today has more than 570 Italian soldiers serving in Kosovo.

At the end of her visit, Minister Pinotti visited the base of the Multinational Specialized Unit where she met with service members drawn from across Italy’s Armed Forces. The Minister expressed her appreciation for the work of the Italian troops working for the stabilization of this delicate area of the Balkans.