25.02.2015.

Strong links between Serbia and Iraq

Continuing his official visit to Iraq, Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met with President Fuad Masum, Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq and Defence Minister Khaled Yassin al Obeidi.

The interlocutors noted that the relations between the two countries are characterized by friendship and the absence of open issues. Minister Gasic thanked for the principled support in defending the principles of international law and the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia by the non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo.

Minister Gasic pointed out that there are no obstacles to resuming the once large investment operations in Iraq. He added that he hoped for normalization and a significant improvement in the security situation in Iraq in the forthcoming period, emphasizing the importance of the coalition in the fight against the Islamic State.

Deputy Prime Minister Al-Mutlaq informed Minister Gasic about the steps that the Iraqi Government is taking to strengthen confidence in the central institutions and the reform of the Armed Forces. Al Mutlaq noted that the overall bilateral relations between the two countries are good and meaningful, and that they are reflected in a developed economic cooperation.

The idea behind it is that the strategic partnership between the two countries in the future should gain full momentum by enhancing cooperation in various fields, including cooperation in the field of defence, to achieve the level of cooperation from the period of SFRY, al-Mutlaq stressed.

During the talks with the Iraqi Minister of Defence Khaled Yassin al Obeidi, it was agreed that the cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence is successful, but there is significant potential for its enhancement.

Minister Gasic said that the Ministry of Defence would support with all its capacities the implementation of the agreed deals with the Serbian defence industry. As the successful military economic cooperation between the two countries is based on sales, overhaul and modernization of armament and military equipment to the Iraqi armed forces, Gasic pointed out that the renewal of the Joint Commission for scientific and technical cooperation and military economic relations between the two countries would have a positive effect on its enhancement.

The Serbian Minister of Defence handed over to his Iraqi counterpart a Course Catalogue. At the meeting it was suggested that an Iraqi expert group visit Serbia to have an insight into the military educational capacities. Iraqi side was offered education for the members of the medical service at the undergraduate studies of the MMA Medical Faculty, and at all levels of specialist advancement studies. Minister Obeidi said that Iraq is interested in intensifying cooperation, especially for the use of the existing potentials of the Serbian defence industry. The Iraqi side said that they would consider offers for education and advancement in the Serbian military educational institutions. At the end of the meeting, Minister Obeidi was invited to visit Serbia in the forthcoming period.