BELGRADE, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Despite its military neutrality, Serbia is willing to continue building ties with NATO, especially in issues concerning regional security, the country's leading officials told visiting president of NATO Parliamentary Assembly Paolo Ali on Thursday.
Ali met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime-Minister Ana Brnabic and other leading officials that confirmed to him in separate meetings Serbia's readiness to continue developing relations with NATO, despite their military neutrality and the fact there are no aspirations for membership in the alliance.
Brnabic said that Serbia continues to cooperate with NATO within the partnership for peace, and that cooperation should be strengthened in countering terrorism, human trafficking, organized crime and cyber-crime.
NATO and Serbia are "connected by the joint interest for preservation of peace and stability in the Western Balkans," Ali told Brnabic, adding that a long-term and sustainable solution is required for the normalization of relations of Belgrade and Pristina.
Ali and Vucic agreed that the dialogue between Serbia and NATO has been raised, and that Serbia's observer status at the annual sessions of NATO parliament contributes to mutual understanding.
Vucic told Ali that "Serbia's firm position over its military neutrality is no obstacle to develop cooperation with NATO" in the interest of regional security, while Ali replied that NATO respects Serbia's neutrality.
Ali told Vucic that the country is able to define its cooperation with NATO according to its own needs, and commended Serbia's efforts in maintaining stability and strengthening cooperation in Western Balkans region.