NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) Commander Erhard Buehler and Serbian Chief of the General Staff Miloje Miletic said Tuesday that the cooperation between KFOR and the Serbian Armed Forces was very good, highly professional and based on mutual respect.

Examples of this successful cooperation include simultaneous patrols along the administrative line between Kosovo and central Serbia, exchange of information and overall cooperation between KFOR multinational battle groups and Serbian units.

The situation along the administrative line is peaceful and stable, the two agreed during a meeting of the Joint Implementation Commission (JIC), adding that criminal activities, like smuggling and illegal immigration and logging, could be prevented through cooperation on both sides and simultaneous patrols.

KFOR announced that Buehler congratulated Miletic on successfully organizing an international military conference in Belgrade earlier this month.

The fact that the conference took place in the region and Serbia played an important part in the discussion regarding the future of Southeastern Europe is an important contribution to peace and stability in the Balkans, Buehler noted.

He informed Miletic about the current situation within KFOR and its completed reorganization. KFOR now comprises two multinational battle groups, East and West, and five joint regional detachments.

KFOR and the national contingents now number close to 6,000 troops, Buehler stated, adding that KFOR would remain committed to its mission of providing security and freedom of movement throughout Kosovo.

To that end, KFOR will continue to coordinate with the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, International Civilian Office and the local police.

Buehler suggested including the Kosovo security forces in the regional security cooperation.

The two generals exchanged information and views regarding the overall situation in Kosovo.

They agreed to continue developing their cooperation and to improve the communication between KFOR and the Serbian military in order to bring it to a suitable level.

The JIC meets regularly on various levels since 1999 to ensure compliance with the Military Technical Agreement (MTA).

The primary task of the JIC is to monitor, liaise and deconflict the fulfilment of the MTA requirements. The JIC facilitates communication and understanding between KFOR and Serbian security forces regarding their exercises, operations and issues concerning the security situation along the administrative line.