17.10.2014.

Minister Gasic welcomed "Strizi" and SAF pilots in Krusevac

Pilots of the acro group “Strizi” that amazed the Belgrade spectators with their astonishing flying program and the members of the Air Force of Serbia who took part in the military parade “March of the Victorious” were guests of Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic today in Krusevac. Numerous citizens of Krusevac and press teams welcomed today at the Square of Kosovo Heroes the pilots that performed air stunts over Belgrade in honor of the centenary of the beginning of the Great War and 70 years since the liberation of the Serbian capital.

Minister Gasic reminded that, during his last visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic had arranged with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for the “Strizi” to perform at the military parade in Belgrade. According to him, over 100,000 visitors of the parade enjoyed the excellent skills of the Russian and Serbian pilots.

- I am here today to show my gratitude for what they have shown to the citizens of Serbia by hosting them in the manner of Krusevac – Gasic said.

Brigadier General Predrag Bandic, Commander of the 204th Air Force Brigade said that in these few days our pilots flew wing to wing with their Russian colleagues, which again confirmed the friendship they had made in their mutual fight against Fascism. He said that the pilots who participated in the parade were the same ones who had rescued citizens during the floods.

- It fills our hearts to see that you are grateful for everything we have done – General Bandic said and promised that members of the Air Force will always stand by the citizens of Serbia, as they had during the natural disasters that had hit our country this year.

Head of the acro group “Strizi” Sergei Osjajkin thanked for the invite for participation in the parade “March of the Victorious” and stressed that it was his honor to fly with his Serbian friends. Osjajkin said that his group had all conditions for preparation and realization of their performance in Serbia.

Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic and Mayor of Krusevac Dragi Nestorovic showed the Serbian and Russian pilots the historical heritage in the center of Krusevac – Monument to the Heroes of Kosovo, the City House, Lazarica Church and remains of the Lazar’s City from the Middle Ages.

Mayor Nestorovic presented Minister Gasic at the City House with the keys to the City of Krusevac as a token of recognition for everything he had done as the Mayor of that city and everything he is doing for its development as the Minister of Defence.