09.09.2011.

Minister meets with Chinese General Su Tziahou

Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac met today with Vice President of the Central Military Committee of the People's Republic of China General Suo Tzihou in the House Guards at Topcider. On that occasion, a Protocol on Cooperation between the Ministries of Defense of Serbia and China was signed.

The talks between the two delegations that followed was attended by the Serbian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Miloje Miletic with members of his staff, and representatives from the Ministry of Defence. Following the talks, the Ministry of Defence State Secretary Zoran Vesic and Deputy Chief of the National Liberation Army of China, Lieutenant General Ma Syatyaoten signed the agreement on donation of 2.4million USD worth of medical equipment.

Speaking about the significance of today's visit, Sutanovac said that in addition to the said Agreement on a donation worth 2.4 million dollars of medical equipment, stated that this was the highest and the largest delegation ever to visit the our country. All this only serves to prove the high level of cooperation that we cherish with the Ministry of Defence of China, as well as cooperation between the two countries - said the minister of defense minister.

According to Minister Sutanovac, China's is our country’s most important political partner we have signed a strategic cooperation agreement with, which thus consolidates our defense cooperation.

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Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank China for its principled standpoint regarding the Kosovo issue and at the same time emphasize that Serbia supports the principles of unified China - said defense minister.

- In terms of military cooperation, it is every year, it has been developing in the last seven years, with 24 members of the armed forces of Serbia having been sent to Chinese schools- as Sutanovac pointed out reminding that in a few days two members of the Chinese army should begin his staff command training.

In addition, the Minister pointed out that a donation that has now been signed in the health field indicates a desire on both sides for cooperation in the field of military medicine, and also expressed belief that cooperation in the field of military education will be continued and enriched in the coming years.

- We talked about the possibilities and the cooperation in military technical fields and well as military economy and exchange of officers in military exercises, and this was an opportunity to inform the general about the anniversary we are to mark this year- a centennial of aviation in Serbia, so I take this opportunity to invite the Chinese delegation to the ceremony and air show that will be organized on that occasion – serbian defense minister announced.

General Su Tzaihou and Sutanovac before addressing reporters linked the web sites of both ministries in a symbolic way.

Linking the web sites is a sign of bringing our countries closer. The main goal of our visit is familiarizing with your country as well as strengthening and developing the friendship and cooperation between our countries. The Minister I had effective and exhaustive talks where we reached a unified position on key issues of partnership between Serbia and China - said General Su.

- We will continue the expert exchange in the areas of military medicine, military equipment and personnel training in the field. I am convinced that with joint efforts the relations between our army will develop and contribute to the progress of the strategic partnership between Serbia and China - General Su added.

During its visit, the Chinese delegation will also attend tomorrow's promotion ceremony of the youngest officers of the Serbian Armed Forces, and will also visit the Military Academy, Military Medical Academy and the 250th missile brigade.