28.09.2021.

Slovak Minister of Defence Naď visits Serbia

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, met today with the Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, Jaroslav Naď, who is on an official visit to the Republic of Serbia. After the meeting between the delegations representing the two countries, Minister Stefanović thanked Slovakia once again for its position of principle on the non-recognition of the so-called Kosovo and for the strong support that Minister Naď expressed today, for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia.

According to Stefanović, Minister Nad's visit is another confirmation of the friendship between Serbia and Slovakia and an excellent opportunity to improve cooperation between the two ministries of defence.

- Our countries have strong cultural and historical ties, and that is an excellent basis for an even closer cooperation between our ministries of defence. Today, during the talks, we agreed on specific projects in the field of military-industrial and military-educational cooperation, but also on joint special units’ trainings, and we are ready to launch them as soon as circumstances allow. That will give the cooperation between the two militaries and ministries a new momentum - said Minister Stefanović.

The Minister also said that the reciprocal special forces training was one of the topics at the meeting.

- We touched on some important topics concerning the Training Command, i.e. the Slovak training centres for special forces, which we consider to be among the best in Europe. We believe that the Slovak Armed Forces are highly capable and that our members, who would go there for training, could learn a lot. We are also ready to share the experiences of our special units - said Minister Stefanović.

Serbia remains committed to participating in both EU and UN peacekeeping operations, Minister Stefanović also emphasized.

- We would be glad to participate in missions together with the Slovak soldiers in the future, and we are ready to increase our interoperability through joint exercises - Minister Stefanović emphasizes.

Ministers Stefanović and Naď agree that the role of the military has changed to some extent and that it is used more and more in peacetime. According to Minister Stefanović, the example of this is the military providing assistance to the citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic and in other emergency situations.

- I want to congratulate Minister Naď on that. The Slovak Armed Forces have shown exceptional readiness in their country, helped the civilian population, tested a large number of citizens and shown that their military can carry out such a task in the most difficult situations. The military’s role in providing assistance during floods, fires, and other emergencies will grow and we must be ready for this role, work together to increase its readiness and its capabilities - Minister Stefanović emphasizes.

Military-industrial cooperation is a field that also provides opportunities for improving cooperation between Serbian and Slovak ministries of defence, Stefanović said. In the end, Minister Stefanović thanked the Slovak delegation for coming to Serbia and expressed hope that there would be another opportunity to exchange views on important topics.

- We continue on our European path. Slovakia’s support, its help and our close relations on that path remain something we are particularly proud of. Also, you can always count on having friends here with whom you can discuss all topics and from whom you can expect help and support even in the most difficult times - said Minister Stefanović.

Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic Jaroslav Naď expressed satisfaction with his visit to Serbia and said that today's meeting met his expectations, exuded friendship, common views and concrete solutions that the two ministries want to reach together.

- There are many areas of common interest where we can work together, such as joint training, cooperation in the field of military industry and health, and numerous other areas. I am very glad and I am already looking forward to the advancement of our cooperation - Minister Naď said.

The Minister of Defence of Slovakia expressed his satisfaction with the mutual understanding.

- I am glad that Serbia is determined to become a member of the European Union, and today we talked very concretely about current topics in the international community.

- I want to reiterate that Slovakia strongly supports territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia - said Minister Naď, adding that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is very important and that he expects it to be focused on peaceful solutions.

At the end of his address, Minister Naď thanked Minister Stefanović for the friendly welcome.

- I would also like to mention tonight's performance of the Slovak Military Orchestra and thank our ambassador who organized it here as part of the Day of Slovak Culture in Serbia, and tonight I will certainly attend it together with Minister Stefanović - Minister Naď said.