31.10.2013.

Minister Rodic meets the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic

Defence Minister Nebojsa Rodic and the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic Jan Varso discussed today the priorities of defence cooperation for the next year and agreed that despite the restrictive budgetary policy it is necessary encourage implementation of the activities of common interest.

They recognized training and joint participation in multinational operations, military education and cooperation in the field of aviation as focal areas of cooperation between the two countries.

They pointed out participation of the members of the Serbian Armed Forces in the Capable Logistician 2013 exercise in Slovakia in June this year, the exchange of cadets during the promotion of new officers as well as the fact that since 2007, 16 SAF officers completed the Staff Officers Course at the Academy of the Slovak Armed Forces.

Ambassador Varso was informed about the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to further development of joint involvement and the potential increase in the Serbian Armed Forces contingent in the UNFICYP mission in Cyprus. They emphasized the interest in the Slovak experience when it comes to security and defence aspects of joining the European Union, as well as those in the field of applied technologies for the destruction of explosive ordnance.

Appreciation was expressed for the principled position of Slovakia in terms of non-recognition of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the continued support for Serbia in the European integration process. The traditionally friendly relations between the two countries are the basis for the further development of defence cooperation, Rodic and Varso agreed.