27.04.2022.
Minister Stefanović Met US EUCOM Deputy Commander
Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Serbia Nebojša Stefanović PhD met United States European Command Deputy Commander Michael Howard, who is staying in Serbia as a member of delegation of US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried.
Minister Stefanović and Lieutenant General Howard agreed that the bilateral defence cooperation is comprehensive, and on the upward course with visible effects, and that it follows the strategic development of political and economic relations between the two countries.
Stefanović noted that the cooperation is predominantly carried out through joint exercises and training of our armed forces, which enables members of Serbian Armed Forces to gain experience and skills that contribute to raising operational capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces and their greater interoperability.
Speaking about the participation of our soldiers in EU and UN peacekeeping missions, he pointed out that it is yet another confirmation of the orientation of our country towards cooperation and preservation of peace and stability both in our region and the world. The minister, also, reminded of KFOR mission in our territory and underlined the good cooperation of the Serbian Armed Forces with KFOR, which is of extreme importance, particularly having in mind that provisional institutions in Priština keep avoiding to implement internationally undertaken obligations.
During the meeting, the interlocutors touched upon the European integration of our country and the relation of Serbia towards the issue of Ukraine. On that occasion, Minister Stefanović expressed his gratitude to the USA for its continuous support to Serbia on its path to full EU membership, stating that it is a foreign policy priority of our country. He also stated that the Republic of Serbia is principled in its observance of the international law and that it supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but that it has not imposed sanctions on the Russian Federation being governed by its own interests.
Lieutenant General Howard reminded that the military cooperation between the USA and Serbia is to the greatest extended effected by means of the very US European Command. He also assessed that the relations between our countries are making progress and he expressed his hope that, in the upcoming period, the bilateral cooperation would continue following its upward trajectory. As it was pointed out at the meeting, the number of US officials who have visited Serbia lately speaks volumes about the significance that the USA attaches to Serbia as a key country for the stability of the region. Lieutenant General Howard also shared his belief that the enhancement of defence cooperation between Serbia and EU is equally important as it is with the USA.
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VIDEOGALLERY27.04.2022
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