17.11.2021.
Nearly 900 babies in Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD said today that 894 members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces have had a newborn this year. "We are extremely proud of all the newborn boys and girls, and we are certain that they will be proud of their parents, who have dedicated their lives to the homeland," the Minister said.
"I want to offer my heartiest congratulations once again to all service members who have become parents. Every little smile they have given to this world is a great treasure. I am convinced that they will be proud of their mothers and fathers, who serve Serbia putting their heart and soul into their work. Exerting themselves to the full, they keep the peace and stability in our country day and night, so that every child can have a carefree childhood. They fight with all their strength for the future of our homeland and our children, and we can never thank them enough for that," said Minister Stefanović.
Since the beginning of the year, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces have been granted around 57 million dinars in parental solidarity allowance, i.e. they have received a bonus amounting to the average salary in Serbia."This measure was introduced on President Aleksandar Vučić’s initiative, and I believe that all parents know how invaluable this kind of assistance is at that important moment. This is another way to improve the living standard of our service members and their families, although the greatest assistance is certainly another salary increase that is soon to come. It will be the third pay rise since the beginning of this year, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the President and the Government," said the Minister.
According to him, our soldiers’ job is extremely demanding and it requires making great sacrifices, and their families know that best.
“These people love our homeland unconditionally and they are always ready to come to the rescue, without any hesitation. They are the ones who are also expected to provide assistance when the towns are flooded, the roads are covered with snow, when an improvised Covid hospital needs to be set up urgently, when it seems impossible to place a cross above Mileševa Monastery, on top of a 900 m mountain peak and who will always be there for their people," said Stefanović.
He explained that without a strong military that guarantees security, there can be no strong Serbia, and only a strong Serbia can be free, independent and stay on the path of development and create better living conditions for all citizens.
"That is why we must show appreciation for everything our service members do for this country and its citizens. We must show that the government takes care of them and their families, and we will continue to invest in their equipment, weapons and better working conditions, but also in higher living standards," the Minister said.
