17.12.2010.

Minister Sutanovac presents diplomas to Algerian postgraduate officers

Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac presented today at the Great Hall OF old HQ Master of Science in Technical Sciences to twenty officers of the National Army of Algeria, who obtained this degree in a joint degree program of the Military Academy and the Military Technical Institute.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Mourad Medelci. During the this 18-month study program the Algerian officers attended a total of 2,500 classes and lectures given by some 70 renowned speakers from the Military Academy, VTI and civilian faculties.

Sutanovac congratulated the new Masters of Science , and expressed satisfaction with the results achieved during their studies. He expressed confidence that the young officers will serve their nation in the best possible way by building good relations between Serbia and Algeria for many years. He said that the study program had started over three years ago by the signing of an agreement between the two defense ministers, supported by the heads of state of Serbia and Algeria. Sutanovac stressed that this was only the beginning of the relations between the two countries and that soon a new group of cadets and officers from this African country is expected to come to Serbia.

Furthermore, Minister thanked the Foreign Minister of Algeria Medelci for the trust deposited in Serbia to educate their young officers. He pointed out that this was a big commitment of the Serbian defense system which would strive to make all efforts within the framework of future cooperation to meet the needs of Algerian graduate officers enriching their army and government with new knowledge.

Minister Medelci on his part expressed great satisfaction with having been given a rare opportunity to attend a ceremony which at the same time marks, cooperation and friendship between the two countries. He recalled the strong historical links of Algeria and our country. The Minister said that these new MSc officers have expressed great satisfaction with the reception, hospitality and conditions during their stay in Belgrade.

AS the official representative of the Government of Algeria he expressed his gratitude for everything Serbia has done for the education of young officers, but also for the efforts of both countries invested in the area of joint cooperation.

Minister Medelci took this occasion to express his admiration for the beauty of the Great Hall of the old War General stressing this as an example of great influence every army has on its people.

The best postgraduate student lieutenant Kijara Mulud who holds an MSc with an average score of 10, thanked the Ministry of Defence of Serbia and scientific institutions for enabling them to obtain new academic titles, but also for the relationship that has helped them feel like they were part of their collective. He said the atmosphere for learning, accommodation and all other conditions were very good. Lieutenant Mulud said that during training he and his colleagues had gained very good both practical and theoretical knowledge that they would use in future projects.