22.10.2013.

Seminar on implementation of Common Security and Defence Policy

The four-day seminar on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy of the countries of South East Europe, which will last until 24 October has started today in Belgrade. The seminar is organized by the European Security and Defence College, the Austrian Ministry of Defence and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia and is a final stage of activities that have been carried out for four years by the Strategic Research Institute of the Ministry of Defence, who is the host of the seminar.

At the opening of the meeting, the representatives of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary and Finland, who are the participants in the seminar, were addressed by the Assistant Minister for Defence Policy of the Republic of Serbia Miroslav Jovanovic, General Reinhard Trischak from the Austrian Ministry of Defence and Sports and Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Belgrade Mario Zadro.

- Cooperation of the countries of the region and their accession to international organizations, as well as participation in the security initiatives contributes to the stabilization of the region, Europe and the world. The regional approach through joint activities, as well as involvement of the countries in the region in the integration processes, reduces threats to social values, contributing to the development of democracy and the overall strengthening of the countries in the region. Therefore, we may conclude that the integration of the Western Balkans into the network of global security is in the interest of all individual countries of the region and of the international community, Assistant Minister Miroslav Jovanovic said, emphasizing that the starting point for the national security of the Republic of Serbia is in its European foreign policy orientation and the promotion of cooperation with the most influential international community actors and countries in the region.

- The Serbian security policy set up on such foundation makes it a significant factor of the regional security and a reliable partner in international relations. In this context, the Serbian Armed Forces is developing the capabilities to actively contribute to building the security environment, partnership and participation in multinational operations under the UN mandate, and to support civil authorities in countering security threats. It is of fundamental importance for Serbia to build and train effective and rapidly deployable armed forces, rapid and easy to manoeuvre, capable of carrying out tasks in the full spectrum of operations, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and supported by integrated logistics, interoperable with allied forces and able to cooperate with civil authorities and non-governmental organizations, Jovanovic said.

Over the next two days, within the seminar, different courses and workshops will be conducted in the context of the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union and the countries of Southeast Europe.