20.10.2015.

Meeting of Ministers of Serbia and Hungary

The Defence Ministers of Serbia and Hungary, Bratislav Gasic and István Simicskó met in Hajdukovo near Subotica and discussed cooperation in defence, but also on the current political and security situation in the region and the world. For the newly appointed Minister of Defence of Hungary, the meeting with Minister Gasic was his first meeting with a foreign official.

It was noted that the two countries' cooperation in the field of defence takes place in circumstances of good political relations and dialogue, and that it is marked by a joint participation in the UNFICYP multinational operation in Cyprus and perennial tradition of holding joint military exercises, along with a number of other bilateral activities.

Since Hungary is one of the most important trade partners of Serbia, Minister Gasic expressed the hope that the military economic cooperation between the two countries will reach the level of the economic cooperation.

Gasic pointed out the significance of Hungary’s support in the period of the opening of chapters in the negotiations with the EU because Serbia has not given up on European integrations, regardless of the unacceptable attempts to incorporate into the platform for the opening of chapters 35 the provisions to pre-determine the outcome of the Brussels dialogue.

The main priority for Serbia is to preserve regional stability, despite the migrant crisis, and Minister Gasic considers it necessary that all countries in the region clearly demonstrate a willingness to preserve the peace. It is necessary to intensify cooperation between the intelligence and security agencies in response to the current challenges and possible escalation of terrorism.

Although there are differences in attitudes on Kosovo and Metohija, we are grateful to the members of the Hungarian KFOR contingent on professional engagement because, as Gasic said, we consider KFOR to be the most responsible for the maintenance of peace and security, and the only partner of the Serbian Armed Forces in securing the administrative line.

It is essential that KFOR has impartial status, since Serbia maintains that the announced transformation of the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" into the so-called “Armed Forces of Kosovo" constitutes a grave violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and does not contribute to establishing peace and security in the region.

Minister Gasic thanked his Hungarian counterpart for the support that the country provides for the capacity development programme for Conventional Ammunition Stockpile Management (CASM), and for the funds for the reconstruction and modernization of training ground for CBRN simulation at the Centre for higher education and training of CBRN staff in Krusevac.