29.01.2014.
Minister Rodic meets congressmen Turner and Wenstrup from Ohio
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Serbia Nebojsa Rodic completed an official working visit to Washington with meetings in Congress with congressmen Michael Turner and Bradley Wenstrup from Ohio.
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Minister Rodic briefed both congressmen on the current political and security situation in the region and internal political developments in the Republic of Serbia and conveyed belief that after the early parliamentary elections Serbia will continue with the initiated reforms and the process of integration into the European Union even more intensively and aggressively. He pointed out that the Ministry of Defence is committed to continuous improving of the regional cooperation in the field of security and informed that so far he had meetings with almost all the defence ministers from the region, during which many issues were raised and areas of mutual interest agreed. The region is burdened with almost identical problems and relate primarily to the economy and improving of cooperation and communication in all areas of utmost importance for solving the problems, as it will contribute to the maintenance of peaceful and stable situation.As for the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, he introduced the two congressmen to the complexity and sensitivity of the political and security situation and the necessity of maintaining the current level of involvement of KFOR as the key guarantor of stability and security for all citizens of Kosovo and Metohija.
He informed the congressmen about the results of bilateral military cooperation, which is still constantly improving and is the best part of the overall relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States. The results achieved in the framework of the State Partnership Program of the Republic of Serbia and the Ohio State, particularly the cooperation of the Serbian Armed Forces and the Ohio National Guard, have greatly contributed to the successful cooperation.
Numerous joint projects and areas of cooperation, above all the expert assistance and support in equipping and development of the South base and organization of the international exercise "PLATINUM WOLF 14", together with projects such as "Humanitarian Assistance", contributed not only to the development of bilateral military cooperation, but also to the development of overall relations between our two countries.
With gratitude for previous expert support and assistance, he expressed hope that the U.S. Government will continue to help us in the coming period even more through the State Partnership Program, but also through other security assistance programmes.
He invited the congressmen to visit Serbia and the South base, in order to personally verify the current implementation of the Master Plan, on which the members of the Serbian Armed Forces and the Ohio National Guard have worked together for many years.
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Congressman Turner conveyed his satisfaction with the results achieved in the field of bilateral military cooperation, especially with regard to the cooperation between the Serbian Armed Forces and the Ohio National Guard. He welcomed the efforts invested by the Ministry of Defence in the development of regional cooperation and expressed hope that the United States will continue with offering permanent support to all activities that contribute to the maintenance of peace in the Balkans. He invited the Minister on next occasion to visit also the Federal State of Ohio.Congressman Wenstrup congratulated on the opening of accession negotiations between Serbia and the European Union. He conveyed that he highly appreciates the efforts and constructive role of Serbia in the stabilization process through dialogue with Pristina, stating that it is the only way to achieve the lasting peace and security. He pointed out that he will exert his influence that the Government of the United States continue to support Serbia in all segments.
He particularly expressed satisfaction with the achieved results of cooperation in the framework of the State Partnership Program and accepted the proposal of Minister Rodic to visit Serbia.
