06.02.2014.

Minister Rodic receives the Ambassador of Croatia

Minister Rodic received today the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in the Republic of Serbia Gordan Markotic.

Good cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence, with the developed police cooperation and cooperation in the intelligence sector, is important for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, Minister Rodic said.

He thanked for the support of Croatia for Serbia's accession to the European Union and expressed the hope that the support will be continued in the forthcoming period, because Serbia has to face with numerous reforms on its path to joining the family of European nations. He emphasized that Serbia is particularly interested in the experience of Croatia in the improvement of administrative capacity within the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy.

Ambassador Markotic pointed out that Croatia, as a member of NATO and the European Union, strongly supports Serbia's European integration and reiterated readiness for transfer of acquired knowledge and experience in that process.

Both sides agreed that cooperation in the field of defence is good, but there is mutual interest to intensify it in all areas of common interest.

Minister Rodic pointed out that Serbia is interested in improving military economic, military education and military medical cooperation. Having in mind the commitment of the two countries to contribute to the promotion of peace and stability not only in the regional but also at the global level, Minister Rodic reiterated his willingness to consider the possibility of joint engagement in multinational operations. The best way to implement such commitments is common training and the organization of joint exercises. As a result of an agreement from the official meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Croatia Ante Kotromanovic, we expect that first bilateral simulation exercise "Joint Response 14" is to be implemented this year, Minister Rodic said.