(ANSA) - NAPLES, JANUARY 31 - "The framework of the western Balkans is fundamental for Europe's economic and political stability and for the security of our borders," said Vito Crimi, Italy's deputy Interior Minister, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the IPA 2017, attended by the interior ministers and police chiefs of the Balkan area. "It is essential - he added - to encourage the process of inclusion and integration of these countries and cooperation in police activity to manage security, which is a fundamental asset. This is one of the essential elements". "We are privileged partners in this process - he continued - thanks to these collaborative projects". "We are giving support to the Balkan countries to increase the trust between police and citizens - he said - which also increases security, which is not an abstract good, but a collective and real individual need." (ANSA).