05.06.2014.

Defence Minister receives the Ambassador of Croatia

Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic has met today with the Ambassador of Croatia to Belgrade Gordan Markotic.

At the meeting they discussed the consequences of the floods on the territory of the two countries. Minister Gasic thanked for the selfless efforts of the teams of the National Protection and Rescue Directorate of Croatia, who helped the affected people in Serbia and on the humanitarian aid sent by the neighbours to our country. They assessed that in the future they should think about joint exercises and training of units and emergency response teams, as well as the armed forces in missions to help civilian population.

The interlocutors agreed that the defence cooperation is stable. Main fields of cooperation are introducing to the Croatian experience in the peacekeeping missions, training and education, as well as the exchange of experiences in the transformation of the armed forces. In December this year, the first bilateral simulation exercise "Joint Response 14" will be held in Croatia, as the crown of the military-to-military cooperation.

Considering the priorities of the Government of the Republic of Serbia - Regional Cooperation and European Integration, Minister Gasic conveyed to the Ambassador Markotic our interest in Croatia's experience in improving the administrative capacities within the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy, and in assessments about participation in the EU battle group.

He expressed hope that a total of 38 473 aerial photographs, which Serbia handed over to Croatia, will allow for resolution of claims of citizens of that country according to the cadastre.