13.10.2016.
State Secretary Neric with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General Appathurai
State Secretary Nenad Neric met with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, James Appathurai.During the meeting, at which they discussed the cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces and NATO, most attention was paid to the assessment of the implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP). It was particularly highlighted that the best results during the implementation of IPAP were achieved under Chapter 2, ‘Defence and military issues’, which is under the responsibility of Ministry of Defence.
State Secretary Nenad Neric stressed that the Ministry of Defence will continue to conduct a balanced defence policy and work on improving relations in the field of defence with all countries and international organizations, in accordance with the defined national interests. He said that for the Republic of Serbia, participation in activities under the auspices of the Partnership for Peace, is the optimal framework for achieving the security goals and improving defence capabilities, while maintaining the proclaimed policy of military neutrality.
- We appreciate that the clear commitment of the Republic of Serbia to contribute to regional and global security through participation in the UN- and the EU-led multinational operations has been recognized. Since the Republic of Serbia has no aspirations for NATO membership, for the Republic of Serbia, IPAP is the optimum framework for a partnership that allows the improvement of our defence system and capacity building to support the full contribution to international peace and stability, State Secretary Neric said.
