03.11.2015.
Bilateral defence consultations with Slovenia
With the first bilateral defence consultations between the Ministries of Defence of Serbia and Slovenia, in Ljubljana, the present developed two countries' cooperation in the field of defence has been rounded off.
During the consultations, Head of the International Military Cooperation Department Captain Milan Konjikovac and Director of Defence Policy Primoz Savc exchanged views on the current political and security situation in the region and beyond, with particular reference to the migratory crisis situation, the situation in and beyond Ukraine, as well as the consequences of the acts of the Islamic State. An agreement was reached that the developments in the region cannot be seen in isolation from the broader geopolitical developments and that the strengthening of trust and agreement in opinions through close cooperation, both bilaterally and at the multilateral level, is the only way towards preserving stability.During the conversation with the Chief of the Department for International Military Cooperation Colonel Mr. Mitja Miklavec, Captain Konjikovac presented the priorities of cooperation of the Ministry of Defence with the European Union and stressed that Serbia appreciates Slovenia's support in the process of European integrations. He also thanked for the professional attitude of members of the Slovenian contingent of KFOR and conveyed that, for Serbia, KFOR is the only guarantor for stability in Kosovo and Metohija. Konjikovac reminded that Serbia leads an active diplomatic fight, in order to prevent the admission of the so-called "Kosovo" in UNESCO.
Colonel Miklavec pointed out that, in addition to the substantial and developed bilateral military cooperation, there is a great need to find an opportunity for qualitative improvement through joint exercise activities and stressed the positive experiences in the development of the NCO corps, exchange of students at all levels of education and training special units. He emphasized the importance of signing the Agreement on military technical cooperation, which creates the legal basis for the improvement of military economic cooperation.
Both sides agreed that the pinnacles of the successful bilateral military cooperation are the forthcoming visits of the Minister of Defence and Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces to Slovenia.
During the meeting, they agreed on and signed the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2016.
