23.04.2013.

Minister Vucic presented decorations to members of the defence system

On the occasion of the Serbian Armed Forces Day, First Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Aleksandar Vucic presented today in the House of Guard in Topcider, decorations from the competence of the President of the Republic of Serbia to members of the defence system.

By the Decree of the President of Serbia, 99 members of the defence system were decorated by golden and silver medals for diligent service in the 2012; they received 47 gold and 52 silver medal for outstanding merits and results demonstrated in performing the duties in the field of defence and security, and for exceptional merits and results demonstrated in performing duties in fire fighting tasks in the Republic of Serbia.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic with members of the Collegium, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Defence.

Vucic congratulated the decorated members of the defence system and thanked them for their work, efforts, energy and everything they have invested for the Armed Forces to have the reputation it has among the citizens of Serbia.

- I believe that today, when the Serbian Armed Forces is an institution of the highest reputation in the Republic of Serbia, when the citizens have undivided and the best view of the Armed Forces, you can see that you were the ones who have created such a reputation, created such a reputation for our military and fertile ground for future generations of soldiers, young people who increasingly wish to be part of the military. Our most important goal is always the preservation of the integrity of the country. We wish peace and good relations with everyone in the world, the Minister said, telling to the awarded ones that they are pride of Serbia, because it is not easy to receive a decoration among a large number of good people, the members of the Serbian Armed Forces.

The Defence Minister announced the modernization of our armed forces, especially in the field of Air Force and Air Defence, providing higher incomes and addressing the unresolved housing issues.

- I wish to acknowledge all of you as you have done a lot in the promotion of our armed forces, and I am sure that you are an example to everyone in the region. We are building the reputation of the Serbian Armed Forces so that the next year it becomes even bigger, if that is possible to imagine, and every year to move that limit. We can do it showing in every place that we love our fatherland, how we care for it, how we are ready for self-sacrifice in helping others and in fulfilling all our duties, Vucic said congratulating the Serbian Armed Forces Day to all the members of the defence system.

Responding to t

he journalists' questions, the Defence Minister said that today he had had meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Cepurin, when they discussed about bilateral relations, the Brussels Treaty, and further economic and political support of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Serbia.

- It was agreed that I meet Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow with 23 May, and that a return visit will follow in September. I expect in June to attend the World Economic Forum in Russia, where Vladimir Putin will be present, with whom we will have a number of bilateral meetings, and it speaks about the accelerated pace of our relations. Also, I thanked Russian friends and partners for the support they gave, hoping that they will provide such support to our country also in the future, Minister Vucic said.