Istanbul, Turkey – Allied Joint Force Command Naples Chief of Staff,  Lt.Gen. Leonardo di Marco, attended the 10th Balkan Countries CHODs Conference on Military Cooperation in Istanbul, Turkey, May 11, 2016. 

 

The conference was hosted by General Hulusi Akar, Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces,  and reaffirmed the determination to strengthen and reinforce mutual cooperation among the Balkan countries’ armed forces.  President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey presided over the conference.  This forum has become a pillar of mutual understanding and constructive military cooperation in the Balkan region.
 
During the conference Lt.Gen. di  Marco emphasized the role of JFC Naples in support to all the Balkan countries , offering full cooperation in the conducting of the training activities.
 
After the first 9-year-cycle of Balkan CHODs Conference on Military Cooperation, the CHODs of the Balkan countries signed a significant joint statement, considered a pillar of mutual understanding and constructive military cooperation in the Balkan region.
 
Throughout the conference,  the participants  focused their discussion on further development and accomplishment of projects and activities which will make their cooperation even stronger, their ties and relationship closer, for the benefit of the Balkan region and their own nations.