27.11.2014.

Seeing off the SAF contingent to the UN multinational operation in the Central African Republic

Испраћај контингента Војске Србије у мултинационалну операцију УН у Централнофричкој Републици

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic and Head of the General Staff of Serbia General Ljubisa Dikovic, with members of the Collegium, attended today the ceremonial seeing off of the contingent of the Serbian Armed Forces which will be deployed next month in the multinational operation of the United Nations (MINUSCA) in the Central African Republic.

Minister Gasic handed the state flag of the Republic of Serbia to Commander of the national contingent in MINUSCA mission Colonel Milivoje Pajovic, MSc, who will command over 72 members of our Armed Forces deployed in this mission within the level-2 deployable medical facility.

Wishing our peacekeepers a safe trip, Minister stressed that our soldiers go abroad again where they will represent Serbia as a country loyal to ideas and goals of the United Nations, adding that there had not been any meetings with representatives of other states and armed forces in the previous period where the other side at the table didn’t say that the Serbian soldier is an exemplary soldier.

- Not only that; Serbian soldiers are also very well-trained, educated, dedicated and ready to respond to most complicated of tasks. Today,

here, among you, there are very experienced individuals who have preserved peace in Chad, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I am asking you to use the experience you have gained there, in the toughest working conditions – Minister of Defence stressed, telling our peacekeepers that their tasks is also to transfer their knowledge to their younger colleagues, who are participating in multinational operations for the first time.

According to Minister Gasic, being in the field and taking part in such operations is a great professional challenge for every individual.

- The most demanding tasks await you. However, the knowledge and skills you have acquired with your superiors and your colleagues will not only contribute to your personal work, but also to your country, whose flag and coat of arms you wear on your uniforms. You will also confirm that Serbia is one of the countries that actively work on preserving peace in the world, and that our members are prepared to be an equal partner in peacekeeping operations to all who actively contribute to abidance to the international law and peace – Minister Gasic stated, adding that, by the end of the year, we should have over 500 peacekeepers in multinational operations around the world, which will be an opportunity for t

hem to send the message of peace and friendship with their words and actions.

The Armed Forces of Serbia is referring staff officers, medical staff and logistics staff to the UN peacekeeping operation for stabilization in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and the task of the level-2 military hospital will be to provide healthcare services to members of the mission.

The ceremonial seeing off at the Blue Hall of the General Staff of Serbia in “Banjica 2” barracks was also attended by members of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Serbia, families and friends of our peacekeepers.