23.01.2015.

Minister Gasic met with Ambassador Chepurin

Министар Гашић разговарао са амбасадором Чепурином

At the today’s meeting, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Serbia, Alexander Chepurin discussed bilateral military cooperation of the two countries. They stated that 2014 was a very successful year when it comes to cooperation in the field of defence, and that 2015 is expected to bring the continuation of cooperation in all fields of importance and mutual interest.

Ambassador Chepurin expects improved cooperation in all fields this year, in accordance with the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, it was stated that in the past period, a continuity of high-level visits had been established and the joint activities implemented have contributed to an improvement in the operational and functional capabilities of the two armed forces. Gasic and Chepurin also stressed the significance of cooperation in military education and military medical cooperation, which represent significant segments in the defence cooperation between the two countries.

The interlocutors exchanged their opinions on the current situation and other aspects of the regional and global political security situation. The meeting highlighted Serbia's principled position of respect of the territorial integrity of all United Nations member states, as well as the confidence that dialogue between interested parties is the best solution for overcoming all disputes and problems.

Gasic stressed that Serbia will continue pursuing the policy of military neutrality and it will cooperate with all partners in the East and the West.

The Minister of Defence thanked the Russian Federation for its principled policy and support to the preservation of Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty and for its humanitarian donations.

The two officials agreed that Serbia's chairmanship in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a recognition for the country, but said that the present moment is very difficult considering the situation in Ukraine and other security challenges.

Minister Gasic stressed that Serbia's OSCE chairmanship will particularly focus on resolving current crisis situations in a way that will encourage dialogue and the peace process, as well as on the fight against all forms of terrorism. Aside from that, the agenda will also include preservation of regional stability and improvement of relations with countries in the region, particularly with closest neighbors.