21.11.2011.

Minister Sutanovac in the security forum in Halifax

Minister of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, Dragan Sutanovac is participating in the third security forum traditionally held in Halifax, Canada. This forum brings together defense ministers and high officials of security forces, parliamentarians and representatives of civil society organizations from 35 countries worldwide, who will be discussing the global and regional security issues during this three-day forum. In addition, the Security forum provides the opportunity for our delegation to hold bilateral meetings and exchange views on issues closely related to contemporary security challenges facing the Republic of Serbia.

Sutanovac took part in the debate "Across borders: the transnational illegal trafficking and crime," along with Victor Toews, Minister of Public Safety Canada, and General Anthony Bertha Anderson, Chief of Defence Staff of Jamaica. The theme of this panel was the need of regional and global cooperation in fighting organized crime and trafficking, and the importance of information exchange in order to successfully battle these crimes. Sutanovac presented the experience of Serbia, the institutions that were established for this purpose including the legislative framework adopted in order to fight organized crime. He also reminded debate participants of the successful actions that have been implemented with the authorities and bodies from the region and beyond. Such actions have seen major effects in such distant countries as Uruguay, and thus explained that the successful eradication of organized crime and trafficking is not possible without effective cooperation and information exchange.

He stated that the globalization and the development of modern technology make favourable conditions for building trafficking illegal drugs, weapons, and people while organized crime groups seem to adapt more quickly and efficiently these new conditions, acting with no limitations unlike administrations of states which have to use legal means to battle these groups. The conclusion of this panel discussion is that regardless of region or state, an important segment of the fight against these activities only seizure of assets acquired in this illegal manner can prevent further activities of criminal groups.

Sutanovac talked with the host the Security Forum in Halifax, Canada, Minister of National Defence of Canada Peter MacKay. In addition to issues related to global security challenges, the conversation focused on bilateral cooperation. It was noted that between the two ministries the relationship is founded on good grounds, but there is still much room for further improvement. Two ministers paid special attention to cooperation in military education and military-economic cooperation, but also to possibilities of joint research and the development of defense industry.

At the sidelines of the Security Forum in Halifax, Defence Minister Dragan Sutanovac met also with Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak. Barak and Sutanovac exchanged opinions on the situation in the Middle East, North Africa and the consequences of the "Arab spring" as well as the effects that the crisis in the Euro zone has on Serbia and Israel. Furthermore, the ministers began talks on promoting bilateral cooperation in defense, as well as on the exchange of technical and expert delegations to discuss further steps for future cooperation.