10.12.2025.

Minister Gašić pays official visit to Republic of Cyprus

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić has paid an official visit to the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of Cyprus’s Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas.

After a tête-à-tête meeting between ministers Gašić and Palmas, the two delegations held a meeting in Nicosia, followed by the signing of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which will further enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.

On that occasion, Minister Gašić underscored the importance of constructive talks on defence cooperation between the two friendly, brotherly nations, as well as the exchange of views on security risks and current developments in the region and throughout the world.

- The Republic of Serbia attaches great importance to strengthening good neighbourly relations with the Republic of Cyprus, relations founded on longstanding friendship, historical closeness, and mutual respect between the two nations. We are grateful to the state leadership and the people of the Republic of Cyprus for their principled and consistent stance against recognizing the independence of the so-called Kosovo and for their strong support in preserving Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We particularly appreciate the fact that the Republic of Cyprus has, for many years, resisted considerable pressure to change its stance and turn its back on its principles and its friends – said Minister Gašić.

The Minister of Defence also thanked the Republic of Cyprus for supporting Serbia’s EU integration process, for its participation in the Partner 2025 Defence Exhibition, as well as for confirming its participation in EXPO 2027 Belgrade, an event of exceptional importance for the Republic of Serbia.

Minister Gašić emphasized that Serbia respects Cyprus’s territorial integrity, both on land and at sea, and supports efforts to resolve the situation on the island peacefully, through dialogue.

He emphasized that members of the Ministry of Defence, the Serbian Armed Forces, and the Ministry of the Interior serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus make a valuable contribution to safeguarding peace and carrying out the mission’s mandate through their professionalism.

Minister Gašić underscored the importance of signing the SOFA agreement.

- Today’s signing of the SOFA agreement is of great importance for both our countries, as it facilitates future cooperation between our two militaries and reaffirms the strong mutual trust and respect between the institutions of Serbia and Cyprus. In the coming period, we will focus on further developing defence cooperation, primarily by strengthening military-to-military and military-economic collaboration, with the ultimate aim of building the capacities and capabilities of our armed forces – the Minister of Defence stated.

He also noted that frequent high-level meetings, the strong relationship between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and the ongoing cooperation between members of the Serbian Armed Forces and the National Guard of Cyprus all help to further strengthen bilateral ties and promote stability and security in the region.

- When representatives of two nations, which throughout their glorious histories have consistently stood on the right side, the side of justice and humanity, engage in dialogue, the opportunities for cooperation are immense, not only in defence, but in all areas of bilateral cooperation. I genuinely look forward to the signing of every new agreement. I wish the Republic of Cyprus every success in its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and I am confident that you will carry out this role with distinction, upholding the strictest respect for international law and the legitimacy of international decisions – Minister Gašić stated.

He stressed that participation in the UN and EU multinational operations, along with strengthening international trust and respect, remains a top priority for the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.

Minister of Defence Palmas said that today’s meeting highlights the close cooperation between the two countries, and that the historical bonds between our two nations are being further strengthened through firm friendship, mutual understanding, and a shared view of the challenges facing our countries.

- We have explored possible ways of expanding our cooperation, with particular focus on training and weapons programmes. Over the years, Cyprus and Serbia have built a strong relationship based on trust, shared principles, and a common understanding of the threats to regional security. Our relationship reached a new milestone today with the signing of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which further strengthens the institutional framework of our cooperation and simplifies the implementation of joint activities in the fields of defence and security. We have also discussed the security situation in Cyprus, the Middle East, Serbia, and the Western Balkans – Minister Palmas said, adding that the Republic of Cyprus remains firmly committed to resolving issues peacefully and in full accordance with international law.

He underlined Cyprus’s firm stance against recognizing the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, and its readiness to support any initiative that strengthens stability and promotes constructive dialogue in the region.

Ahead of taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Minister Palmas emphasized that Cyprus will continue to fully support the strengthening of institutional dialogue between the European Union and Serbia, and will support decisions that will help Serbia advance on its European path.

The meeting was attended by Acting Assistant Minister for Defence Policy Predrag Bandić, Commander of the Serbian Armed Forces Guard, Major General Željko Furundžić, and the Head of the Office of the Minister of Defence, Colonel Nikola Matović.