On the sidelines of the South-East European Defense Ministerial (SEDM) meeting in Sarajevo, H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, held a productive meeting with the Italian Undersecretary of State for Defense, Matteo Perego di Cremnago, on 27 November 2025.
This meeting marked a continuation of the strong and constructive dialogue between RACVIAC and the Italian Republic, building upon prior engagements in Tirana, Ankara, and the DECI Meeting. The discussions focused on enhancing Italy’s involvement as an Associate Member in RACVIAC activities, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to regional security cooperation in South East Europe.
Ambassador Grigorie expressed appreciation for Italy’s historical and ongoing contributions to RACVIAC, including financial support, the secondment of officers, and active participation in numerous courses and seminars related to arms control and security challenges. Special recognition was given to Italy’s recent engagement in events such as the Open Skies Treaty Aerial Observation Course, the Arms Control Symposium, and collaboration in the CBRN field and international conferences.
Both parties underscored the strategic value of Italy’s continued presence in RACVIAC activities, highlighting that renewed secondments of Italian personnel would signal Italy’s strengthened strategic role in the Western Balkans while boosting EU and NATO coherence in regional security initiatives.
The meeting also revisited ongoing discussions initiated during Rear Admiral (LH) Domenico Guglielmi’s visit to RACVIAC in February 2024, with Ambassador Grigorie reaffirming the Centre’s readiness to provide additional technical information to facilitate Italy’s engagement.
Looking ahead, proposals for future cooperation were advanced, including the secondment of Italian experts in the fields of Arms Control, CBRN Defense, and Emerging Security Challenges, as well as Italian participation in planning activities in 2026. Both sides expressed optimism that these initiatives will translate into tangible outcomes, reinforcing RACVIAC role as a hub for practical security cooperation in the region.
In closing, Ambassador Grigorie reaffirmed RACVIAC commitment to Italy as a key strategic partner, and extended an invitation to the Undersecretary and Italian defense institutions to participate in upcoming high-level RACVIAC events in 2026.
