site.btaBalkan Countries' Chiefs of Defence Issue Joint Statement, Vow to Further Enhance Cooperation

A joint statement was signed at the end of the 16th Conference of the Chiefs of Defence of the Balkan countries on military cooperation. The event took place in Sofia May 18. The military chiefs thereby reaffirm their determination to promote cooperation between the armed forces of the participating countries. 

"Strengthening military cooperation is a key part of our efforts and we believe that this initiative is making a sustained effort to improve interoperability and promote stability in the region. We are committed to continue working together to ensure synergies aimed at mutual understanding and respect in the Balkan region," the statement says. 

The signatories point out that the Sofia edition of the conference provided an excellent opportunity to discuss topics related to regional military initiatives. 

The joint statement highlights some of the results achieved, including an agreement on the establishment by Greece of a malware information sharing platform as a tool to collect and share data on risks and threats in cyberspace. An update of the South Eastern Europe Exercising and Training Network vision document is also planned, with guidelines for its future use in training and education. Reference is also made to the holding in Tirana of an international exercise, Strong Balkan-23, and training on disposal of explosives in the last quarter of this year. 

"By signing this statement, we commit to develop our partnership in a spirit of transparency, mutual openness and without prejudice to the specific nature of the security and defence policy of each of the members of the initiative," the Balkan Chiefs of Defence concluded in their joint statement.