10.03.2014.
Cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark
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Delegation of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, headed by Colonel Milan Konjikovac, Acting Chief of the Department for International Military Cooperation, paid a visit to the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Denmark, in the framework of holding regular bilateral defence consultations.Colonel Konjikovac thanked the Kingdom of Denmark for the cooperation and previous investments that have contributed to the defence system to remain viable and to implement the necessary reforms. Having regard to the negotiation process between Serbia and the European Union, he expressed hope that the traditional partners will show solidarity despite the economic crisis affecting the whole world and continue to support the process of defence reform and achieving the required level of interoperability.
Having regard to the serious budget cuts and the possibility that this year is the last in terms of project-based approach, they emphasized the necessity of continued support for the completion of a five-year cycle of project implementation, both in information technology fields, and in other main fields of cooperation, such as education, logistics, psychological activities and human resources. It was noted that such an approach would ensure a sustainable progress for Denmark and lasting effect of the defence reform in the Republic of Serbia. In this respect, Colonel Konjikovac conveyed the invitation of the Minister of Defence Nebojsa Rodic for the Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark Nicolai Wammen to visit Serbia as soon as possible.
Although Denmark has retained certain limitations under the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy, Serbia sees the common interest in enhancing cooperation in the fields of training and education in the forthcoming period, especially when it comes to training for participation in multinational operations. In order to further improve cooperation and precisely define the international legal framework, the signing of the Agreement on Defence Cooperation in the forthcoming period has been initiated.
Brigadier General Claus-Hansen emphasized that Serbia's European perspective is very encouraging and conveyed that Serbia will be and remain a significant partner for Denmark in the Balkans. Since there is a clear intention of both parties to continue funding, Claus-Hansen expressed the hope that in the coming period Serbia will define strategic projects with visible effects of the implementation and the Kingdom of Denmark will try to find new mechanisms for funding bilateral activities in the field of defence.In the talks with representatives of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, the interlocutors were introduced to the strategic doctrinal documents, position of Denmark regarding the current global security challenges and threats, as well as the prospects for participation in peacekeeping operations in the forthcoming period. The current status of engagement of the Danish Armed Forces in peace support operations around the world was presented, highlighting the focus on strengthening international cooperation in the field of defence and capacity building.
After the coordination, Plan for Bilateral Military Cooperation in 2014 was signed, which in terms of quality and quantity is among the most productive ones.
