23.12.2014.

Reception on the occasion of New Year's and Christmas holidays

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic and Head of the General Staff of Serbia General Ljubisa Dikovic prepared tonight at the House of the Guard in Topcider the traditional reception on the occasion of New Year’s and Christmas holidays.

Among numerous guests, the ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic, ministers of the Government of Serbia, representatives of the judicial, executive and legislative government, diplomatic and military representatives accredited to our country, MoD and SAF members, representatives of religious communities, celebrities from cultural and public life and media representatives.

Minister Gasic thanked the guests for coming to the reception and thus confirming their appreciation of everything the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Serbia had done in the past year. He conveyed greetings of Prime Minister of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic who stated that the defence system should remain one of best organized systems in Serbia.

According to the Minister of Defence, stable functioning of the defence system had been enabled and conditions had been met for further development, all in the conditions of reduced budgetary means.

- With this, we have confirmed that the military shares the fate of the citizens of Serbia. With reduced costs in all segments of organization and work, we have shown that we are capable of protecting the country, its citizens and their property. At the same time, we are strengthening the position and credibility of Serbia on an international plan. We are maintaining and further improving military cooperation with armed forces around the world, and especially those in the region. I am proud to say that we have justified the great trust our citizens have for the military. I am certain that, today, it is even greater, since there has not been a place in Serbia where our members did not help the afflicted residents during and after the natural disasters – Minister stressed.

Aside from the deployment in crisis situations, Minister of Defence stressed that soldiers had conducted regular tasks, ad realized important military exercises in 2014 – “The Thunder”, “Blue Response”, “Srem”, “Platinum Wolf” and “Ravanica 2014”. That was, as he stated, when they showed a high level of training and proved that they are in no way falling behind their colleagues when it comes to professional capabilities.

- I would also underline and commend the cooperation with state bodies, local self-governments, organizations, numerous institutions and establishments. Together, we have confirmed that the Armed Forces of Serbia is and will be the military of its people, all its citizens, an institution that is trusted the most. Our best result and the proof of how much we all can and know together and what we dispose of was the military parade “March of the Victorious”. I am sure that you will all agree when I say that we are all very proud of it – Minister Gasic said.
Minister emphasized that the Serbian military is respected and highly esteemed today, always prepared to respond to all threats and challenges.

- With confident and decisive steps we march on towards the final goal – to become an even more respectable military force, the pride of our people and the state we have dedicate dour lives to. This is why I am inviting you to support us in our intentions and endeavors, as you have so far – Minister Gasic stated, wishing everyone a successful next year, adding that helping the Government of Serbia on its way to a lasting recovery of our country is everyone’s mutual goal.