Serbia and NATO have launched their first-ever joint military exercise, a landmark cooperation between the Balkan country and the alliance that bombed its capital less than 30 years ago. The two-week drills began on Tuesday and run until May 23.

About 600 troops from Serbia, Italy, Romania and Turkey are participating, along with military planners and observers from France, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Serbia’s Ministry of Defence said the cooperation is aimed at preserving peace and stability in the region. Royal Navy Commander Ian Kewley stated that planning the exercise has been an important part of the joint endeavor.

The tactical exercise falls under NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme, which Serbia has been part of for nearly 20 years. While Serbia regularly participates in drills with NATO members, this marks the first exercise conducted directly with the alliance.

NATO remains a sensitive subject in Serbia following the alliance’s 1999 air campaign against Yugoslavia. Serbia maintains a policy of military neutrality, balancing close ties with both NATO and Russia.

Source: www.aljazeera.com