On the sidelines of the South-East European Defense Ministerial (SEDM) Meeting in Tirana, RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation Director, Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, met with the Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago. This marks their second meeting, following a productive encounter during last year’s SEDM meeting in Ankara, reaffirming the strong collaboration between RACVIAC and the Italian Republic in promoting regional stability and security. Discussions focused on Italy’s longstanding support of RACVIAC mission and exploring avenues for deeper future collaboration in promoting security and cooperation in South East Europe.
Ambassador Grigorie extended sincere appreciation to the Undersecretary of State for Defence due to Italy’s unwavering support since RACVIAC founding. Italy’s contributions have been instrumental in advancing RACVIAC objectives, with a history of providing expertise through seconded personnel, financial backing, and active participation in RACVIAC-led initiatives.
Italy’s foundational role was underscored since it was one of only two nations, alongside Republic of Türkiye, which acceded to the bilateral agreement between Croatia and Germany regarding RACVIAC establishment in 2002. This enduring commitment continues to serve as a testament to Italy’s dedication to fostering security and stability in the region.
Italy’s sustained commitment to regional security is evident in its active involvement in RACVIAC, particularly through its contributions to Arms Control initiatives. Italy consistently sends participants and expert lecturers to RACVIAC events, as demonstrated during the Open Skies Treaty Aerial Observation Course held in March 2024 in Hungary, as well as the recent Arms Control Symposium, and the two-day “Course on Non-proliferation, Arms Control, and Disarmament,” held in June 2024 in RACVIAC, organized in collaboration with Italy’s Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI).
During the meeting the positive momentum generated by recent diplomatic engagements, including a notable meeting between Director of RACVIAC and Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chief of Defence of the General Staff, at the DECI meeting in October 2023, was underlined, as well as their earlier interaction during the SEDM Ministerial in Ankara last November. Ambassador Grigorie also updated Mr. Perego di Cremnago on the Italian delegation’s visit to RACVIAC in February 2024, led by Rear Admiral Domenico Guglielmi. Ambassador Grigorie emphasised the interest of RACVIAC in reintroducing Italian representatives as members of the Centre’s staff.
Undersecretary of State of Defence expressed appreciation for RACVIAC activities and reaffirmed the interest of Italy to be more active in the activities of the Centre, including the possibility of seconding their representative in RACVIAC and agreed to continue the dialogue in this regard.
