19.02.2016.
Support by the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the European integration of Serbia
The first bilateral defence consultations between the ministries of defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Serbia were held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Head of the International Military Cooperation Department Navy Captain Milan Konjikovac and Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff for International Military Cooperation Brigadier General Toine Beukering concluded that the establishment of practice of holding bilateral defence consultations created conditions for a more detailed consideration of cooperation in defence and completely open discussion on the needs and the interests of the two systems of defence.
Navy Captain Konjikovac said that current defence cooperation is a solid foundation for further development and that the Ministry of Defence is committed to continuing and substantial improvement of cooperation in all areas of common interest. He thanked for the support of Serbia's European integration, as well as donations from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which has significantly supported the reform process of the defence system of the Republic of Serbia. He proposed a redefinition of the legal framework and the signing of the Agreement on Defence Cooperation.
Navy Captain Konjikovac informed General Beukering about the achieved level of defence reform, the priorities of the Ministry of Defence in the process of approaching the EU and mechanisms of cooperation within the Partnership for Peace programme, in accordance with the proclaimed military neutrality, and conveyed the experience of the Republic of Serbia during its Chairmanship-in-Office of the OSCE in 2015.
Brigadier General Toine Beukering expressed readiness for further promotion of cooperation, with the continuation of cooperation in the fields of military education and military medicine, and reiterated support for the European integration of the Republic of Serbia. He conveyed the readiness of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for sharing their experience from engagement in the concept of EU battle groups and participation in projects of the European Defence Agency and during their current Presidency of the EU. General Beukering positively assessed the engagement of the Serbian Armed Forces in the UN and EU multinational operations.During the constructive talks, they exchanged views on the regional and global security issues, with special emphasis on the current migratory crisis. In this regard, both sides emphasized the need to improve cooperation between the partner countries and joint action in combating the modern security challenges and threats.
At the end of the meeting they agreed and signed the 2016 Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme.
