04.08.2016.

Minister of Defence meets the Ambassador of China

Defence Minister Zoran Djordjevic and Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Li Manchang met today to discuss the results of the recent visits of Chinese companies to the Ministry of Defence and the prospects of further cooperation.

Both sides expressed their belief that the decades-long relations of friendship and respect, with joint projects in the field of military-economic and scientific-technical cooperation will become even stronger, richer and more meaningful.

The Chinese ambassador stressed the importance of a high level of understanding and mutual support at a number of issues of vital interest for Serbia and China, while Minister Djordjevic singled out the area of defence industry and military research projects in equipping and arming as one of the key segments of ever richer economic cooperation between the two countries.

After the talks with representatives of the Chinese companies CETC (China Electronics Technology Group Corporation) and Poly Technologies Inc, visits of another four reputable Chinese companies are expected by the end of September to negotiate the ways of cooperation in various forms of research, development and production of arms and military equipment, with potential Chinese investments, including the establishment of joint ventures.

At the meeting, it was reiterated once again that the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Defence Industry, along with visit of our expert delegation to China, would contribute to the creation of conditions for joint projects with Chinese companies, but that the continuation and deepening of military-to-military cooperation is also to be expected. It includes planning of military exercises, professional development of the two armies in the military educational institutions in Serbia and China, joint participation in peacekeeping operations, as well as cooperation in the field of military health care and CBRN defence.

For the purpose of maintaining the continuity of high and the highest level visits, Minister Djordjevic expressed hope that the Minister of National Defence, and the following year, the Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese PLA will pay visit to Serbia by the end of the year.