01.12.2022.
Minister Vučević at Meeting of Graz Format
Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević participated in an annual ministerial meeting of the Graz Fromat held in Krems, Austria, which was organised in the framework of a two-day meeting of ministers of defence of the Central European Defence Cooperation and the states of the Western Balkans. Apart from Minister Vučević, the meeting was attended by ministers of defence of Austria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro.
After the meeting, Minister Vučević stated that the delegation of the Ministry of Defence on that day as well advocated the positions of the Republic of Serbia in a principled and diplomatic manner, not flinching for an inch from the state and national interests.
- We summed up everything that has been done between two annual conferences, the common plan of activities which was carried out in by no means simple circumstances. Between the two annual ministerial conferences a world war nearly broke out, and the situation is far more complex. We presented everything that the Republic of Serbia, and Ministry of Defence did and is doing together with all partners in various fields, and we have been, I would say, evaluated as a good sincere partner which has demonstrated responsibility in all matters - Vučević said.
The Minister of Defence underlined that on that day, the Serbian delegation firmly defended the positions of our state in all most sensitive issues.
- We have not flinched for an inch, and we insulted no one. We have defended, protected and presented our state and national interests in a calm, principled and diplomatic manner. Of course, we are ready to continue cooperating with all the countries of the Graz Format in the following period - Minister Vučević underlined.
He reminded that the meeting held on that day in Krems was an opportunity for important meetings with ministers of defence of Austria and Slovenia, and he added that he would have an opportunity to talk to his Hungarian colleague the following day.
- I believe that the state of Serbia will be a good partner to all, but I also believe that everyone will respect and recognise Serbia - Vučević concluded.
Today and tomorrow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Miloš Vučević is staying in Austria at the invitation of Federal Minister of Defence Klaudia Tanner, and he participates in the meeting of ministers of defence of the Central European Defence Cooperation and the Western Balkan countries held in Krems.
Members of the Central European Defence Cooperation - CEDC are: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia, while Poland has the observer status.
